Read Harriet' story

Hatty: Bereavement Support and Admin Volunteer

I trained as a Social Worker at Oxford Brookes, and as part of my training I had placements with older adults and loved it! I was diagnosed with ME/CFS during third year and had to take a sabbatical from university, spending a long time at home, unwell. Eventually, I was able to study from home and finish the academic portion of my degree, graduating with a BSc in Health and Social Care Sciences.

Last year I attended an open event for new volunteers. Talking with the team there about the volunteering opportunities really inspired me and got me excited about working within a social care setting again.

I started in the Bereavement Support Team, compiling information on grief support groups in Oxfordshire. It was really rewarding, and I talked to some extremely inspiring people on the phone. Now I volunteer for the Administrative Team and have been looking at how the charity could advertise for new volunteers.

I’m not yet well enough to rejoin the workforce, but being able to contribute to the community through my volunteering work at Age UK Oxfordshire has been massively beneficial to my mental health and recovery.

I love volunteering because it gives me a massive sense of fulfilment and purpose. I’m so grateful to the charity, and feel as if they have helped me, as much as I have them!