Carol’s Story
I was medically retired early and got bored so decided to volunteer somewhere. I chose Dial and in doing so gained another family. I thoroughly enjoy my time there and miss it when I am unable to be there.
I am the chair if the committee and so over the last 12 or so years have been involved in all the trials of moving offices and I am now very happy at the Beehive.
Hala’s Story
I started volunteering three months ago with C4C organisation which deals with refugee a new arrival issues in the UK. I wanted to be part of the volunteer work because I believe that there are people who need a support even if it’s a little last week, I started volunteering with Thurrock CVS because I wanted to be part of this community and to give back some of what was given to me, volunteering helped me improve my English language skills and overcome many fears and challenges in my life.
Betty’s Story
As a 24 hr carer, I appreciate how valuable the volunteer sector is. I feel passionately about health and social care both sectors are under extreme pressure and I want to play my part in helping Healthwatch in their role assisting those who are finding their journeys difficult. To help other actually helps me in the role as a carer. As over time I found I was losing who I am as a person.
Beverley’s Story
My volunteer story began several years after my husband passed away being on my own. After being his main carer. I found myself fed up with my own company and decided to offer my services. It was the best idea ever. It’s not only got me out of the house and mixing with people I felt useful again. I sit on the reception desk where I get to speak to people from all walks of life and I try to point them in the right direction or offer advice myself as I’m learning something new every time somebody comes in with a new problem I’m no expert, but I seem to manage to point people in the right direction.
Lara’s Story
Volunteering has changed my life, signing up for it was the best decision I have ever made. Due to having Body Dysmorphic disorder (BDD) plus social anxiety for over ten years, I have been unable to work and struggled to leave my home. After successful CBT therapy and taking small steps over a period of time I got myself ready to go to the next level. That’s when I decided to try out some voluntary work to get myself back out into the world again and I am now ready to enter into paid work. Volunteering has helped me to give me back not only my confidence but my independence as well. Getting the train on my own was something I thought I’d never be able to, and now I’m doing it twice every week. Getting that routine back in my life has helped me so much and done wonders for my mental health. I highly recommend volunteering, there is no pressure. You get to make new friends and learn new skills and it can really change your life for the better.
Janice’s Story
I started as a pet therapy volunteer in 2016 with my little doggy then Basildon Hospital on reception during Covid. I was an RVS volunteer getting shopping medication etc and I found I really enjoyed making a difference to people who needed help. I also volunteered at the Covid VAX centre in Basildon, I enjoy my role here at Beehive. People really appreciate the well-being calls and it’s nice to let people know that there are people out there that care.
My story started when I was asked if I would mind helping with the maths course which was a new course, being test run to see if it was worth keeping around I assisted with it by helping the other classmates to understand it more and wrote down information whilst setting out the class and taking part in the activities
Andrew’s Story
Christine in the Beehive helped support me for six weeks maths class. I also run a chess club in Grays library on Saturdays – giving back to my community has helped me in many ways including my self-confidence.
Mary’s Story
I walked past the Beehive and saw a sign for volunteers needed popped in and a week later I was helping in reception. I was very lonely after my husband passed away. It has given me confidence in my anxiety is improved and I enjoy helping in reception. I look forward to it every week!
Steph’s Story
I’m new to the area having retired two years ago my friend volunteers dial and brought me in. I volunteered with homeless people before, but this was a completely new sector for me. I have learnt so much in the short time I’ve been at dial all the staff and the volunteers are so welcoming volunteering is beneficial to my mental health and I have made amazing friends.
Gary’s Story
I volunteer because I get pleasure in helping other people I get the best of both worlds because I get to meet other people and it gets me out of the house. I am grateful for what people have done for me and I want to give help in return.
Deborah’s Story
Giving back to the community, gives me a sense of purpose. I meet other people, gives me confidence.
Anthony’s Story
Volunteering makes me feel good to help others. I enjoy doing things for other people.
Vincent’s Story
I volunteer for the British Heart foundation, it’s good to give back to the community and a good laugh. Five years now.
Kathy’s Story
Volunteering gives me the opportunity to repay the many positive times in my life.
Sydney’s Story
I volunteer for the work club at the Beehive. I help Christine to set the room on Wednesday’s, ie chairs, tables and refreshments.
Patricia’s Story
I first come to DIAL to fill in my sister’s PIP form. The DIAL family was so friendly and helpful and I knew instantly that it was something that I wanted to do. Jan, my manager come down and interviewed me and that was 6 years ago and we have such a family atmosphere. I always come in when I can and enjoy my time spent with them, is very special now she is stuck with me. Love them all, dearly.
I saw an advert in the local paper, I think it was the Yellow advertiser for a new volunteering project provisionally called Home from hospital. Later to become By Your Side.
Something made me feel that it would be a worthwhile thing to do so I emailed my details and then it went from there. Helping people to return to their own homes after a spell in hospital can only be beneficial to aiding their recovery and make their life better. Volunteering is a charitable thing to do. Helping others is the right thing to do. As Ruby once said to me, we never know where we will end up to do.