For many years I anticipated becoming a volunteer at the Rock Houses when I retired. However for many reasons I never got round to it.
Unfortunately, COVID came along and by May 2020 I became a widow, and after many years as part of a couple, I had to suddenly learn how to live as a single person.
We all know it was a terrible time for everyone, by September of that year I was in a bad place, despite having a loving family and friends. I realised I had to make an effort, to set myself on a path for the future. Therefore, on the 9th of September 2020 I arrived at the back door of the Rock Houses, to ask about Volunteering. I was immediately introduced to the then manager who spent the time to find out all about me, what I needed, and where I could best be used.
That is why I ended up outside the Cafe, it was a new role, necessary because of the pandemic, and is just right for me.
Volunteering has given me the opportunity to be part of a great team of people, volunteers and staff from all walks of life, and make new friends. Also to play a part within that team by helping visitors to enjoy such a wonderful place, and by doing so contribute to a positive future for the Rock Houses.
I see volunteering as a fifty/fifty partnership, you should take as much from it as you give to it.
That has certainly happened to me, I have regained my confidence, moved house, done many things I never thought I would, expanded my horizons outside of volunteering, and found a way of contributing to the future.
Becoming a volunteer saved me from being a lonely old lady, with nothing to do but remember the past, it helped me to find a future to enjoy.