“I’m really enjoying socialising with the residents and hearing their life stories. Many appreciate having someone new to talk to. My confidence has increased and I feel that I’m also learning from their life experiences.”
Befriender (Ings Grove House)
“I've enjoyed meeting other volunteers and creating friendships, offering support and advice to parents and carers, knowing where to signpost them to and being in a familiar, reliable and friendly face in the community centre. This role has given me a purpose outside of my parenting role and helped me gain confidence."
Self-Weigh Link Supporter (Overthorpe Baby Weigh)
“Locala is a very good place to volunteer as staff are very helpful and flexible. I've enjoyed helping people and gaining confidence to speak to younger and older people and to interact with people of different backgrounds. I am only leaving because I have gained paid employment due to confidence from this role."
Immunisation Team Supporter (Ravensthorpe Health Centre)
From a mum receiving breastfeeding peer support at Melody Makers:
"Thanks to Rochelle for being amazing, non-judgemental and a great listener!"
From patients visiting our Princess Royal Health Centre:
"I needed help with the parking machine and volunteer was helpful. She assisted me and when she could do no further took me to reception and explained the malfunctioning machine. This told me that helping and assiting patients was upper most in her priorities. I really appreicated her help."
"The young man I met was so polite and helpful what a star! I wish I had got his name to praise him!"
The following comments are from patients who enjoyed some group activities at Ings Grove House, which were run by one of our Befrienders:
"We have had a blast!"
"I have laughed so much that I cried!"
"I usually find it really difficult to talk to people I don't know, but I have had such a good time. I am so glad I joined in."
“It’s almost like the medics prescribe befriending – they know which patients need some sociable time to improve mental wellbeing.”
Team Leader, Ings Grove House
“Spending time ‘shooting the breeze’ with our befrienders is like respite for patients – a break to take their mind off the clinical service for a while.”
Occupational Therapist, Ings Grove House
“Infant Feeding peer supporters play a significant and valuable role in the delivery of our specialist and wider breastfeeding support service. They provide a welcoming and friendly reception when new mothers arrive at the sessions, which can be a very overwhelming experience as mothers are often frightened and very vulnerable.
They provide an empathetic ear to mums and share their experiences and knowledge of common problems that helps mothers to find solutions and to feel that they are not alone in their experience.
Our peer supporters help mothers attending the sessions to strike up conversations with other mothers so they can share their experiences and support one another which is an incredibly valuable element of a successful breastfeeding journey.”
Infant Feeding Lead
