As part of our Volunteers’ Week 2022 celebrations, and keeping in line with the theme Year of Stories, we’re featuring a series of positive stories from our wonderful Falkirk volunteers.
Gemma was kind enough to share her wonderful volunteer story with us, showing that volunteering can break down barriers put up by mental health issues and give people a renewed sense of purpose.
“I’ve had a history of unsuccessful jobs due to mental health issues and therefore several let-downs. I thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel until I came across CVS Falkirk. I’ve honestly been transformed. From being alone and isolated, to having something that ticks all the boxes.
After a few attempts at voluntary work I finally found my niche. CVS referred me to Change Grow Live (CGL) and I’ve never looked back.
My volunteer role within CGL is a befriender – I meet with someone who is struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction, and who feels isolated because of the pandemic. I meet with my befriendee weekly in person or over the phone, and I try to assist them on their journey back to the same person they were before they lapsed. We meet and discuss any significant progress and personal goals and achievements.
Challenges have included nerves of meeting a new client, building trust, and persuasiveness to refrain from their ways to help them stop their addiction.
To date I’ve had 2 or 3 conversations with my befriendee saying that my intervention has heightened their mood and that I’ve been a help to them, and they feel more confident to tackle their addictions – which is very rewarding.
So, to other people who are thinking about volunteering, I’d say it’s a very positive experience to go through – it’s rewarding and challenging at the same time. I’d say go for it and meet with someone from CVS Falkirk to start the ball rolling!!!”
