“Both ladies are very reliable; they’ve got in
to a routine and their involvement is helping to develop their skills in working
with other people,” says Lynn Hensman, who has worked at the club for about
18 years and now manages it.
“Some volunteers come forward because they have recently lost a husband
or wife, and want an activity to take them out of themselves,” she continues. “It
takes courage for them to take the first step and come forward initially.”
Another lady who recently started working at the centre suffers from manic depression
and hasn’t been able to work for a number of years. She now feels ready
to do something but is not yet ready for full time paid work. Having previously
worked in a kitchen professionally, she is using these skills to help at the
club. Since she began, her self-esteem has improved and her dosage of medication
has been reduced significantly.
Two men also volunteer at the club. According to Ray, who runs the dance classes
with his wife Peggy, his main motivation for helping is to see people smiling
and enjoying themselves.
“People see the club as a family. Many of our regulars are living on their
own, and would rarely socialise with other people if the Centre wasn’t
open,” he says. “I never get up and think, I wish I didn’t
have to go in there today. People telling us they’ve had a good time makes
all the work worthwhile.”
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