Isobel's Story

I started volunteering in 2016 after my mother died – she had Hospice at Home support.

I had done a lot of caring for my mum and was in a terrible state after she died. I had a card from the Hospice informing me about potential bereavement support and started seeing a bereavement counsellor.

They mentioned they had opportunities for volunteering and I came for some training and started befriending with the community team. Over the years I have been matched with eight people.

You find mutual ground and form friendships. I made a connection with a lady and discovered we had a mutual acquaintance from our past and I was able to link them up which was a lovely to help rekindle that connection.

Most of the people I support are basically housebound so I am bringing the outside in for them and they want to know about life going on out and about in their local area.

One of the people I supported had no family. I would visit and help with wee jobs like picking up her prescription for her.

I always look for any other opportunities I can to make a difference in someone’s life. I thrive on doing things for other people - it brings me joy. It is nice for the people I support to know that someone cares.

One of my ladies mentioned she hadn’t had a fish supper in years so I took her one round and she was delighted – for most people going about their daily lives that may seem like such a small thing but it meant a lot to her.

Befriending gets me out and about as well. My life has been pretty tough but I think if you have been through a lot of hardships in your life you have a lot of empathy for other people.

It is amazing how that card from the Hospice led me where I am today in my volunteering role.