Changing lives through volunteering - The Big Help out!

Ola’s passion drives her to volunteer

Ola Tijani from our Maida Vale Nursery uses her volunteering hours at her local church to support the elderly and the sick, something she feels passionately about. Watch her talk about her volunteering in this video. 

Sarah co-ordinates pilgrimages to Lourdes

“What I enjoy most about volunteering is seeing the joy on the face of somebody who’s in need of going somewhere like Lourdes and wouldn't be able to go by themselves. They get so much out of being pushed around town in their wheelchairs or someone sitting and chatting with them because a lot of them live on their own. It’s lovely just being able to help people by doing something like that.”

For 30 years, Sarah Hickman from Lichfield Travel has been escorting groups of travellers, including many sick and elderly people, on their pilgrimage to the holy site of Lourdes in France. Each year, approximately 800 people make the trip with the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, including around 50 or 60 pilgrims.

Sarah says, “I’ve been going since I was 13. We went as a family for the first time as my mum was poorly, but even when my mum died I continued to go out there and volunteer. Since then I’ve become the leader of the non-medical volunteers and over the next month we’ve got 200 volunteers to train and prepare for our upcoming trip.” 

Sarah Hickman (centre) from Lichfield Travel 

Margaret is a friendly face for those with dementia

“At first, I wasn’t sure if I could add value as a volunteer, as I had no experience of dealing with the elderly, let alone those with dementia. However, I soon realised that my efforts were well rewarded and communication with them was welcomed. Now I really look forward to my Thursday visit.”

Every Thursday, Margaret Ball from Bassett Avenue Food store spends time with elderly people and those suffering from dementia at a local friendship and lunch club called Forget Me Not. The twice-weekly club provides those feeling lonely with a place to connect and gives carers some respite for a few hours.

Margaret says, “I have been a volunteer representing the Co-op for five years and would encourage any colleague to just go along to meet the people who attend and they would soon realise the value they can bring to these lonely people.”

Margaret Ball (right) from Bassett Avenue Food store

Michelle helps bereaved children explore their feelings

Customer Care Manager Michelle Harwood has volunteered for Guys Gift since 2019. The charity was set up to help young people in Coventry and Warwick through the grieving process and help them get a deeper understanding of death.

Michelle says, “Many of the team at Guy’s Gift have personal experience of bereavement and the impact it has within a family. In fact, this is why I joined as I had lost my parents at a young age, so this has helped me to be understanding of the children’s feelings and why I approached Guys Gift to volunteer.”

“I really enjoy volunteering with Guys Gift as it is such a lovely charity and working with the children is so rewarding knowing that you have made a difference to hopefully help them through such a painful time.”

How will you spend your volunteering hours?

Is there a cause that is close to your heart? Or would you like to help people facing challenges near you? If you feel inspired to use your 22.5 (*this is pro-rata for part-time colleagues) hours to help people in your community, find out what you can use them for, how to get started on your volunteering journey and how to register your volunteering activity by clicking here.

Look out for more fantastic colleagues sharing their stories on volunteering next week.