Eleanor ‘drives’ our Activity Buddies Scheme
Although Volunteers’ Week is now officially over, we’re still hearing about the personal experiences of many of our wonderful volunteers and we’re keen to keep sharing their stories with you.
Eleanor, who has been a volunteer with us since 2022 and runs her own business Ways to Move, has been instrumental in helping us get our Activity Buddies Scheme up and running using her specialist expertise.
Here’s her story:
“I’d heard a lot of very good things about Communicare. I wanted to use my skills to help people and this seemed like a good way to do it.
Activity Buddies
“I’ve been very involved with Communicare’s Activity Buddies Scheme – I think it’s really innovative! It brings people out of their homes, rather than just going to them, and brings people back to a certain level of activity.
“I wanted to use my skills of encouragement, empathy and patience to shift people from where they are – sometimes people can feel very stuck – to become more outgoing and confident.
Happy & empowered
“The first lady I helped was new to the area and we went out on a bus route together. She now goes to Cuppas Friendship Club independently and is very happy and empowered taking the bus!
“The second lady I helped took longer, but she is now happy to go out by herself, which she hadn’t done since before the pandemic.
Boost in confidence
“I also helped a gentleman who had experienced a series of health emergencies and we worked on bridging the gap/barrier in his confidence to get him out of the house. He is now doing this with his family and carers. It was inspiring to see his boost in confidence.
“It’s nice to be a part of a good-hearted organisation. I feel well supported by the staff and have a very good rapport with the Manager, Annie, she is very in tune with what I want to do and where I see the our Activity Buddies project going, as myself and, another lady, Lindsey are the volunteer leads on it.
Why pick Communicare?
“It’s very worthwhile. It’s great to be involved in a community spirited group with lots of different opportunities to help, always creative and exploring new ideas. It provides an opportunity where everyone can give what they have to offer.
“I love the idea of Communicare’s intergenerational groups too – they normalise people of all ages being together and balances the unnatural separation we have imposed on different age groups. We have a lot to learn from one another.”
How to become an Activity Buddy
If you ever have a spare hour, or so, each week, then we’d love to hear from you, as we always need more volunteer Activity Buddies and the experience may also benefit you too.
We can be flexible and work around your other commitments. Please get in touch via 023 8250 0050 or volunteer@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.