Volunteering is Cheryl’s favourite activity of the week

Cheryl witnessed firsthand how volunteers can have such a positive impact when her mum was a resident at HammondCare. After her mum died, she knew she wanted to give back in some way.

Now into her seventh year of volunteering, Cheryl spends every Thursday at one of our care homes – and loves every minute. The rest of her week is filled with running her chair yoga classes, but her Thursdays are ‘non-negotiable.’

We asked Cheryl what advice she would offer to anyone thinking about volunteering.

Unexpected rewards

Volunteers have a different relationship with a resident than with a family member, or a close friend. We’re invited into their private world without any expectation or past history, and we build their trust from there. It’s a privilege to be in that space.

Knowing I’m able to be fully present, to spend time is its own reward. This is what I experienced with Mum. A musician visited every week with his guitar; another volunteer brought his dog along. I noticed a positive change in her each time they came.

The company the volunteers provided Mum was also an opportunity for me and other family members to take some time for themselves; we were encouraged to do so. I really valued the ‘no guilt’ approach to looking after myself.

Building skills

I also didn’t expect volunteering to help me with my confidence. Before I started my chair yoga business, I was nervous about instructing large groups of people. Now I run yoga classes for residents, and we sing and dance sometimes too. It’s joyful and spontaneous, and I get to be my authentic self in front of them.

It’s a space I now feel comfortable being in, and I get a real sense of achievement from being part of the joyous experience for residents, as well as helping them with flexibility and strength.

Thanks to the skills volunteering has brought, as well as running my own business, I can honestly say nothing fazes me now.

Why I keep volunteering

Over time, I’ve built up some beautiful connections with residents. One person I regularly visit is now nonverbal. We just sit together quietly and hold hands.

Another resident used to be an air traffic controller on Lord Howe Island. He’s loves bushwalking, so I bring my book on Lord Howe Island with me and that’s a great place for us to start a conversation. It’s also an opportunity to reminisce about a happy time in his life.

Volunteering is also a commitment, just like going to work. This is especially important when visiting residents living with dementia. I know from my own experience with Mum that people need continuity and structure.

It makes them and their loved ones feel valued, important.