AYC Volunteer Richard’s Story
My name is Richard. I’m 68 and have been retired from formal paid work for a number of years. I enjoy giving some of my time each week to the charity sector as it keeps me active and gives me purpose.
As a volunteer with Andover Young Carers, I form part of a team of drivers who take a minibus around Andover picking up the Young Carers after school and transporting them back to the AYC Bungalow where they have supervised activities, a meal and free time to be themselves. After club sessions I then deliver them back to their individual homes around Andover. If extra staff are needed during a club session, I’ll stay for the whole session and help generally wherever I can. Sometimes, we can be asked to take the Young Carers to relevant events anywhere in Hampshire. I also help to maintain the minibus regularly which frees up paid staff time and helps to save money on running costs. If new volunteer drivers offer their services to Andover Young Carers, I will introduce them to driving the minibus and ensure that they are as safe and competent as possible.
I have been volunteering with AYC since 2019, ever since a friend of mine introduced me to this charity. He thought I might be useful as a retired professional driver. As this was not my first volunteering role, I already knew of the huge value of volunteering both to the organization one serves but also to yourself. It brings rewards far in excess of a pay packet!
There is such pleasure to be gained from working with a highly skilled staff team of dedicated practitioners who value even the smallest things one can do to help. Also, it is powerful to see the Young Carers enjoy themselves and benefit from the support they receive. It is a real privilege to be a part of this worthy cause.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, it was almost impossible to keep the work of AYC going but the staff were amazingly inventive. I played a small part in helping to make the minibus safer from the spread of infection point of view. We designed and had fitted a ‘sneeze screen’ between the front and rear of the minibus to protect the young from us older folks and vice versa. It was a momentous day when I eventually removed this screen and normality was resumed to the delight of all.
Frequently, I have the honour of working with the Young Carers and witnessing their dedication to their duties as carers but also for their need to be children. The contrast is extraordinary.
I would urge anyone who is thinking about volunteering with any organisation but especially Andover Young Carers, just to come forward and give it a go. The commitment and hours are flexible, so there’s nothing to lose and all to gain.
