Cheryl Field

What is your volunteer role/s with Age UK Wakefield District?

Volunteer Home Visit Befriender & Volunteer Telephone Befriender

If someone asked you what you do in your role with us, what would you tell them, could you give us a brief description?

I visit an older lady every week and stay with her about 2 hours and we chat about all sorts of things, she tells me I’m now part of her family. During the pandemic I could only phone her but she was always happy for my call. I also took on another telephone befriending client during this difficult time and still call her every week. 

How long have you been volunteering with us?

4 years 

What made you want to volunteer with us?

After leaving my job  I wanted to volunteer rather go back into employment. I looked at lots of options but decided that helping combat loneliness in the elderly was the thing for me.

What is the best part of your role?

I love listening to old stories and seeing how having someone to talk to can really change someone’s day. I often get told that I have cheered them up and I’m like a breath of fresh air. 

What would you say is the hardest part of your role?

Not getting too involved. I feel very protective over my clients and often want to get involved with personal issues that I know I can’t. 

Is there a particular moment or story that sticks out from your time volunteering with us?

The time I turned up during lockdown with a food parcel from Age UK WD and my client was so overwhelmed to see me as it was a total surprise.  She tried to get me to go inside and even whispered to me “oh come on in, it will be fine”, bless her heart. (Of course I didn’t go in!) 

If someone told you they were interested in volunteering at Age UK Wakefield District, what advice or encouragement would you offer?

I would say absolutely go for it, it’s better than any paid job. The staff at Age UK Wakefield are so nice and will make you feel so welcome. 

How easy did you find the process of applying to volunteer with us through to getting started in your role?

So easy, I just applied through the website and the Volunteering Manager Tracey contacted me very quickly and arranged a meeting with her and a few weeks later I met my client.