This Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2023), Carers’ Resource wants to say a heartfelt thank you to its enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers for the huge contribution they make to help the charity support thousands of unpaid carers.
The charity is also encouraging anyone interested in volunteering and making a difference to the lives of carers, and the people they care for, to get in touch.
Carers’ Resource has a team of 140 volunteers who play a vital role in the services and support the charity offers unpaid carers in the Bradford, Harrogate, Craven and Selby areas.
To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, Carers’ Resource will be holding social events just for its volunteers to thank them for their commitment and efforts.
Christine Whiley, CEO at Carers’ Resource, said: “Our volunteers play a massive role in helping us support thousands of unpaid carers and we would like to express our immense gratitude for their efforts. Without our volunteers, Carers’ Resource would not be the charity it is today.”
Andrew Parkin, Volunteer Co-ordinator at the charity, commented: “Our volunteers make a fantastic contribution to Carers’ Resource. They run social groups for carers young and old, call carers on the phone, sit with the cared for to give carers a break, provide IT tuition, aid in maintaining our carers allotment, help in our offices and at events. The difference they make is incalculable and we are extremely thankful for all that they do.
He added: “Carers’ Resource has lots of volunteering opportunities available.
“Once you start volunteering with Carers’ Resource you will be given a full induction and training. Throughout your time volunteering with us, you will receive full support from the whole team. Volunteering with us is a very positive experience.”
Dawn Tesseyman is Project Manager for Carers’ Time Off sitting service at Carers’ Resource, which gives carers in the Harrogate, Craven and Selby areas a chance to have a break from their caring responsibilities while a volunteer takes their place. Dawn said: “A big thank you to the 80-plus volunteers who dedicate their time to the project and make such a difference to the carers and their loved ones they support.”
If you are interested in volunteering with Carers’ Resource and finding out about the volunteering opportunities the charity has available, please visit: https://www.carersresource.org/get-involved/volunteer-for-us/
Case study
Carer Dennis and his friend Hazel knew each other in their school days but had gone their separate ways, marrying and having their own families.
Finding themselves on their own after the death of their partners, their friendship was rekindled in their 90s at a local Knaresborough luncheon group. Dennis found himself caring for Hazel as her dementia progressed and moved in to care for her permanently.
Carers’ Time Off matched volunteer Liz, a recently retired nurse, with Hazel to visit regularly to enable Dennis to continue to go to his bridge club. Dennis is passionate about bridge and credits playing regularly with keeping his brain active. He said: “Having a lady to visit is so lovely for Hazel, they can chat and have a ride out so I can go to my bridge. Liz is sensitive to Hazel’s needs knowing when she might need to rest.”
Liz, like Hazel and Dennis, knows the local area well and she remembers going to dancing classes as a little girl so likes hearing Hazel’s escapades as a professional ballet dancer and then running her own dancing school in Harrogate.
Liz enjoys her volunteering, saying: “Hazel is a fascinating lady who regales with witty, charming stories. Full of wisdom and insight, having experienced many ups and downs in her life.”
Having a Carers’ Time Off volunteer has had a positive impact on the extended family of both Hazel and Dennis. Christine, Dennis’s daughter, explained: “Dennis and Hazel are so pleased that Elizabeth comes on a Monday afternoon to sit with Hazel, it is so good for both of them. It allows Dennis time to go to Harrogate and play bridge with his friends and have time away from the house which he is so grateful for.
“Hazel is always pleased to see Elizabeth, she may not always remember her name but Elizabeth comes in with that lovely smile on her face which cheers Hazel up. They have many chats and often go out for a cup of tea to a cafe. In nice weather they have been to the Valley Gardens and popped into the cafe there for a drink.
“Hazel says, well we all do, that Elizabeth is a really kind, understanding and patient person, nothing seems too much trouble for her. It is nice for Hazel to have the company of another lady as she is often in the house with just Dennis and she loves to have some female company and different conversation.”
Another local Carers’ Time Off volunteer has now joined the team effort of supporting Dennis and Hazel so even when Liz is away Hazel has company and Dennis makes his bridge meetings.
Christine said Dennis is so grateful that the volunteers give up their time to help, adding: “This service benefits everyone in the family, not just Dennis and Hazel. Thank you so much.”
