Give Time
Alongside financial contributions, many people give their time to support the Jersey Cheshire Home through volunteering. Giving your time to help our cause and your company to help the Residents is an immensely fulfilling deed.
As a Volunteer, you have the opportunity to:
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Use your existing experience and talents in different areas
- Uncover hidden talents and learn new skills
- Give something back to your local community
- Strengthen your work experience and add to your CV
But, most of all …
- Brighten someone's day ... whether it be yours, our Residents or our Guests!
Meet some of those who Volunteer at the Jersey Cheshire Home ...
John Sawyer
I am 65 and retired. I am married to Mary and have two daughters, Georgina (30) and Aimee (27). My hobby is pistol shooting and have recently been appointed Hon. Sec. of the Jersey Pistol Club.
Why do you Volunteer at the Jersey Cheshire Home: I knew Kim Averty and was interested when I read an article in the JEP featuring her views and comments about the Cheshire Home. She mentioned that Volunteers were always needed, and seeing as I had experience from my Blue Coach days, and I had time to spare, I called her! Kim mentioned that residents enjoyed outings in the bus, which is something that I also enjoy!
What Do You Do When Volunteering: I take residents on trips to various parts of the Island, which always includes a stop for an ice cream or a cup of tea! I have also helped with transporting residents to special venues; Church, Hospitals, Concerts or wherever else may be needed.
How Many Hours a Week Do You Volunteer: On average I do about five hours a week, sometimes more.
Best Parts of Volunteering: I enjoy meeting with the residents on a regular basis, we have a lot of fun; well at least I do!
Most Rewarding Parts of Volunteering: A smile and a thank you is my reward at the end of a trip. All of the residents are lovely and appreciate getting out into the fresh air - even if it rains!
Diana Toole M.B.E
I have been president of the Jersey Cheshire Home since 2000. Prior to that I served on the Foundation Committee as its Chairman (1994-9) and previously chaired the Home Management Committee for 5 years. I have always been a member of the support group. I first volunteered at the home before it was built and have been associated with it since 1981. After the opening in January 1983, I worked as a carer for a few months before serving on the committee.
Much to my astonishment, my long service to the home was acknowledged in 2005 when I was awarded the M.B.E., an award which recognises the importance of the presence of this charity in the Island.
Why Do You Volunteer at the Jersey Cheshire Home: I enjoy helping people when and where I can and am totally committed to the ethos and ideals of the Home. I am fortunate to be able-bodied and realise that many daily tasks can be an uphill struggle for some people with physical disabilities. If I can lessen those difficulties in any small way, I am glad to do so.
What Do You Do When Volunteering: In the past, I have given practical help with dressing and feeding; have helped in Spring Cleaning the Home. I have always been an active fund raiser (cake baking most times when there is a sale) helping with many of the Battle Floats and organising and helping at Flag days.
What Are The Most Rewarding Things About Volunteering: Volunteering in any capacity brings its own rewards; a sense of achievement; a job well done; of being useful to someone. At the Jersey Cheshire Home the family atmosphere and the obvious please that the residents have from the company and help of volunteers is reward enough. However, to realise that without the Cheshire Home many of the residents would have to be in institutional care with all the restrictions that would impose upon them is enough to spur on the volunteers to continue giving time and energy.
