Norcare

I’d worked in the travel industry for many years but had become bored and frustrated with my job. I was keen to change direction and work in a field that was more fulfilling for me. So I started a social work degree at university. But I wanted to get some practical experience, to meet and work with people struggling with many of the issues I was learning about.

By volunteering with Norcare, I was able to work with clients with a whole range of different needs. It was this work that kept my passion for the work alive. It convinced me I had chosen the right path. It made my education real, putting into practice what I had learnt in the classroom.

As a volunteer I worked with individual clients, helping them manage their budgets, learn basic cooking skills and do their shopping. I also worked with Norcare’s health and wellbeing team to run their healthy breakfast sessions.

One of my best experiences as a volunteer came after I’d been working with a client who had been very withdrawn and suffered a really hard time in her life. Over the months she began to open up and grow in confidence until one day she told me she was now too busy to see me any longer. Of course I was sad to have to say goodbye but it was really great that she had come out of her shell and was living a much happier, more independent life.

I love the work I do as a volunteer. I love doing what I can to make a difference to people’s lives. I may only be doing a small amount but just to know I’ve helped someone make it through their day is a great feeling.