Our final Volunteers’ Week 2023 Story comes from our Volunteer of the Year, Jamie!
(Image caption: (l) the 2023 Awards image; (r) the Volunteers’ Week logo.)
Jamie volunteers with Dates-n-Mates Falkirk as a Friendly Face Volunteer, as well as being a member of the group. This role involves supporting other members at events – helping them get seated at the table in restaurants, reading the menus for members who struggle – and helping make new members comfortable, welcoming them and helping them settle into the group.
Jamie is also very good at bingo – all members play on iPads, which Jamie helps them set up, and plays his board while also keeping an eye on another members board. Recently, he shouted a win for the lady he was helping, then later in the same game he shouted for himself!
Dates-n-Mates is Scotland’s national dating and friendship charity run by and for adults with a learning disability, with over a decade’s experience of connecting people in across the country, including in Falkirk and Stirling & Clackmannanshire. Their work is underpinned by a human rights-based approach, and the belief that it is people’s right to live life free of discrimination and to develop friendships and relationships of their choosing, to love and be loved.
(Image caption: Jamie (left) and Carolyn (right) with his certificate and award.)
Carolyn, who nominated Jamie, said:
“Jamie is one of the best Friendly Face Volunteers we have ever had – he’s an absolute gem, and I love working with him.
“We love seeing the benefits Jamie gets from his volunteering. When he first joined our organisation he really struggled to connect with others in the group. By volunteering Jamie has learned skills that help him when meeting people and starting new conversations.
“He is always at events early as he is eager to get started. He is a joy to have on our project and volunteers at 4 events per week.
“He tries hard at everything he does; when watching him help other adults with a learning disability, you can see such a caring gentleman who gives his heart and soul to everything he does.”
What an incredible impact! We can see why the independent judging panel wanted to recognise and honour Jamie’s efforts.
As the Dates-n-Mates Falkirk Facebook page said when sharing Jamie’s win:
“You have helped so many members at events. We can’t thank you enough for your time and amazing commitment. 
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Has Jamie’s story inspired you like it did us? Would you like to get involved with Dates-n-Mates Falkirk’s work? That’s lucky, because coincidentally, they are currently looking for more volunteers!
Dates-n-Mates volunteer roles are open to everyone, whatever your background and lived experience – you can check out what some of their volunteers said about their roles with the Falkirk group via their Facebook page, or their website.
So if you have time to spare, and enjoy supporting people people to form meaningful friendships and relationships, please contact Raynor (Volunteer Coordinator) by phone: 07720591229, or email: volunteering@datesnmates.org.uk
