What Our Volunteers Say

In the early days of Hand in Hand being set up, I was lucky enough to be matched with a lovely lady, and I have been visiting her in her home for an hour once a week for over three years. I benefit from the experience as much as she does!

Hand in Hand Volunteer

My scheme member really looks forward to my visits so his family tell me. It is very important to have something in common and we have been matched based on our interests. We enjoy talking about the war and it is working really well.

Hand in Hand Volunteer

When I visit my Hand in Hand scheme member, she waits at the front door for me. She always greets me with, “how nice to see you!"

Hand in Hand Volunteer

It is absolutely delightful to visit my scheme member. We enjoy reminiscing together and it makes a huge difference.

Hand in Hand Volunteer

I find volunteering with older adults, a very rewarding and positive experience. There is so much I have learned and gained from volunteering – it is not just about me giving my time and skills; I have gained a different perspective on life and gained new friendships.

Hand in Hand Volunteer

I've really enjoyed my volunteering experience while at university, as it has given me the opportunity to connect with those I would not have otherwise met. It has also inspired me to research into different career paths, I would love to work alongside St John's in the future. The support is brilliant, I've never felt alone while volunteering. Telephone befriending is so uplifting, I love it! Thank you.

Hand in Hand Volunteer

I always look forward to meeting up with my scheme member. We go for coffee in a different venue each week for variety and find lots to chat about. We share with each other both life's challenges and joys and both benefit enormously from this. Also, I feel useful passing on the helpful information which St John's provides at our networking events and about new schemes it runs. Thank you to the Hand in Hand team who truly excel at matching people! It really is a win-win situation!

Hand in Hand Volunteer

I am certain that several of my scheme members have appreciated my visits over the last few years. Knowing that gives me great satisfaction and makes me feel that what I'm doing is needed and worthwhile.

Hand in Hand Volunteer

I have very much enjoyed visiting one of my scheme members and speaking with the other through weekly phone calls. I found that I have been very well matched with both these extremely interesting ladies. We have plenty to talk about, and many shared interests. I look forward to my chats and visits, and both the scheme members have been kind enough to say that they look forward to their conversations with me. The benefits definitely flow both ways!

Hand in Hand Volunteer