“You can easily fritter away an hour or two on the phone and I thought there must be a better use of my time,” says Gemma, who volunteers with Guild Care to support older people to settle at home once they are discharged from hospital. After hearing a radio program about volunteering, she thought, “Why not do something with that time?”

Guild Care has a huge range of volunteering options to choose from, from helping in a charity shop for an hour each week or at a one-off fundraising event, to leading a craft session for older people. 

Gemma had always enjoyed chatting with older people, whether in queues or in passing. She initially started with telephone befriending through Age UK, but quickly found that she preferred face-to-face interaction. 

She then discovered Guild Care, which supports older people, people living with dementia and children & adults with learning disabilities. Gemma was introduced to their ‘Support at Home after Hospital’ service which she enjoys helping with. 

Support at Home after Hospital is a 6-week program where Guild Care provides practical support to older people adjusting to life after a hospital stay. As a volunteer, Gemma could be doing anything from grocery shopping to organising cupboards, or simply having a friendly conversation. 

What may seem like small acts of kindness have a big impact on people in need of a little extra support until they’re better able to cope. The visits have also boosted Gemma’s own sense of fulfilment.

“Volunteering makes you feel good, especially when you help people get back on their feet,” she says. “Most of the people I visit are on the mend, and everyone is so grateful for the help. They may not have family nearby, and it’s nice for them to feel like a person, not a patient.

“Often, what they need most is company and a chat, and that’s something I really enjoy too. Older people have so many stories, and it works both ways—you end up learning a lot from them.”

The beauty of volunteering is that it’s a two-way street. Gemma’s time spent helping others has brought her a renewed sense of purpose. “It’s not a selfless act,” she says. “You get so much back from volunteering. It’s like that feeling after exercise - it gives you a lift, buoys you up. Kindness really is contagious.”

The first step to becoming a volunteer is as simple as sending an email. “If you’re thinking of volunteering, just take the first step. Guild Care will guide you through the rest,” advises Gemma.

There are opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved as volunteer helpers at Guild Care. From practical assistance to offering companionship, there is something for everyone. 

If you’ve ever wondered what’s involved in volunteering for a charity, take that first step - email Guild Care’s friendly Volunteer Team at [email protected] or call them now on 01903 600602.