Read Ashu's story
Ashu is a carer who now volunteers at two or our Carer Hubs
I was thinking about volunteering, when I met Jacqui [ACS staff] who informed me about the volunteering opportunity and I jumped at the chance! It gets me out of house and makes me feel a little useful to society.
It improves my confidence of being around other people which has taken a shattering after my very isolated life of being a carer
I have been a carer for almost half of my life, which has been very isolating. Volunteering at ACA gives me the opportunity to see and hear people in situations similar to mine, and sometimes in worse situations, and help them a bit (not by giving advice, but just by listening and offering a cuppa).
It improves my confidence of being around other people which has taken a shattering after my very isolated life of being a carer. In addition, I get practical tips for my own situation as well.
Advice to others considering volunteering
I would say that it’s a very fulfilling experience. Give it a try for a week or two, if you don’t like it, you can always stop.
The support given by all the staff is phenomenal. I am advised exactly what is expected of me and supported at every step. Staff are very prompt at responding to any queries.
Learnings
I have been provided with some really useful trainings like Manual Handling, Food Hygiene and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults training free of charge! Which will be useful to me when I decide to go into paid work.
Overall the experience at ACS has been very positive and I hope to continue it for as long as possible.