I started volunteering at the Volunteer Centre, Kensington & Chelsea 3 weeks ago.
As part of learning what the centre does, Irina one of the permanent staff advisors mentioned that K&C has the highest rate of isolation across all London boroughs. Last Wednesday I attended an event at Kensington Town Hall, on behalf of Volunteer Centre K&C for disabled people and on meeting with Cllr Nicholas Holdgate he mentioned the isolation culture, especially amongst the elderly in the borough. This has nothing to do with the changing seasons or the clocks going back an hour. What can be done he asked quizzically!
I responded: “come to the VCKC and see how we can help.”
The centre recruits volunteers providing companionship to people with memory loss and/or a diagnosis of dementia, through visiting people in their own homes and taking part in social and/or recreational activities. If you have good communication and listening skills, patience and empathy, then you can enrich your companion’s and your own life. The role involves a weekly commitment of a few hours, for six months, more if you want!
The Job Centre sent a lady last week who told Irina that sometimes a whole week can go by and she doesn’t speak to anyone. Understandably, she wasn’t in the best of moods when she arrived but on hearing about her interests, when she was given some Volunteering prospects in local charity shops her body language changed and she left feeling more positive and upbeat.
The atmosphere at the centre is very welcoming and friendly. It’s busy with the new Volunteers trying to figure out what’s going on and the full time staff juggling numerous tasks at once.
There is something to offer everyone no matter their age or ability. Stop by any Tues or Thurs and have a cup of tea and a chat and see what we can do for you & you for yourself and the community. Choose interaction over isolation and the statistics will change for the good.
Geremy O’Mahoney
Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea
Telephone: 020 8960 3722
