5 minute read
2021 Volunteering Highlights
2021 has been a busy year for our volunteers – from digital events during lockdown to supporting our Get Into Summer programme. We asked 4 volunteers to share their favourite moments with you guys from this year.
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Lynda Grieg – Care to Connect Group
The purpose of our summer activity to meet for lunch was to support our members to get out of the house and back into a social situation after lock down. This was important because it was the first chance we had to get together in person since starting the group last year and it was really important for all of us, volunteers included.
The members enjoyed being back in each other’s company and one member was even able to use this time to get some support for an interview she had. Being able to speak face-to-face to get this support was so important for her. The activity also gave one member a chance to get out of the house, which she wanted to do whilst her daughter was at nursery and was so important for her wellbeing.
This activity also allowed us to reflect on how we could take the group forward now that things are opening up more. There was an open and honest discussion that although circumstances have changed, members still feel this group is important to them and that they would like it to continue in some form.
Dealing with a new normal has been difficult for everyone and having this group has given us, the volunteers, drive to continue and given us purpose in a crazy world of uncertainties.
Heather Tyeson – Lapwing Lodge Trip
Meeting at on a sunny Wednesday at Lapwing Lodge with members and their families, from both the Renfrewshire ‘Wee Diamonds’ and ‘Chill Out’ groups, there was an air of excitement and uncertainty of what was to come! However, after a few short minutes with the instructors, the enjoyment of learning how to pitch a tent successfully (despite a few bent tent pegs) was clear. The younger children loved playing inside the tent, hiding from one another and zipping up the doors to create their own safe haven to enjoy! Meanwhile, the older ones took on leadership roles in instructing both volunteers and staff how to correctly insert various tent poles and pegs. After pitching the tents, we were all able to enjoy some hot chocolate with water boiled directly from a Trangia camping stove!
We then enjoyed lunch, followed by an exciting game of ‘Sniper’ in the woods, which resulted in a few muddy knees but mostly smiling faces! The highlight of the day then came when the young people got to make a fire of their own! Using a range of different dry materials, they were shown how make sparks with their own fire-steels. Setting fire to hay and wee twigs was great fun! After a few short minutes, a bit of teamwork and wood collected from the surrounding trees, a roaring fire was lit, and the marshmallows were opened! Toasting the marshmallows on their own fire was a scrumptious treat and well deserved after all the hard work! Happy faces (and bellies) all round
Trevor Hillman – Driving the Minibus
The life of a Who Cares? Scotland volunteer is never dull, but especially not during the Get Into Summer programme.
Whilst my main role as a volunteer is to provide transport for our members on the minibus, I love the fact that I have been encouraged to take part in and help support many of the events on the day.
The bus has really been in demand over the summer, for example I have been to Barshaw Park in Paisley, Heads of Ayr Farm Park, Kelvingrove Museum and Park in Glasgow, Go Ape treetop trekking in Aberfoyle, Paint Balling in Cumbernauld, Crazy Golf in Clydebank, and the Street Soccer Care Cup in Glasgow. I have been shot at, got rope burns, splattered with mud, I’m covered in bruises, been the subject of some great banter, and I’ve loved every second. This has also involved: • 48 hours of volunteering • Driving 1,208 miles • Carrying a total of 39 members over all the journeys.
Being part of these events lets me chat to and get to know some of our members better, and what I have loved over the summer is seeing the inclusiveness, support, and sense of belonging that members all show each other. It has been a summer of friendship, teamwork and fun. Whilst the bruises will fade, my lasting memories will be spending time with members from 8 to 20 years old, for example an 8 year old taking my hand to play at Head of Ayr, kicking a football with 10 year old, teenage banter from the back of the bus, and chatting about life and future aspirations with over dinner at Nandos. So let’s use our minibus as much as possible, as I’m looking forward to the next adventures with you all.
I recently had the pleasure of attending not one but TWO football events as a volunteer with Who Cares? Scotland. They were both absolutely brilliant!
The first was on Thursday 12th August, with the help of the wonderful Street Soccer team at the Powerleague in Glasgow. Each game may have only been 10 minutes long, but they were highly energetic games – I was worn out just watching them! The Boys From The Shire were the winning team that day, beating off stiff competition from the other seven teams playing. Two lucky players also received a pair of football boots due to their skill and their sportsmanship.
The following day saw the Summer Care Cup football tournament take place at Hamilton Palace Sports grounds. This was mostly South Lanarkshire teams, who had the pleasure of 20 minute games. The winners of the day were the Aspire Employability team. Going by the scores I had noted down on my pitch, it must have a very close call!
There were a lot of talented football players on the pitches on both days, but what really struck me was the sportsmanship. Seeing older players making sure the younger ones were getting a shot at the ball, even if it cost them the game, was incredible to see and I am so glad to have been a part of it. Can’t wait for the next one!
Jinty Ross – Football Tournaments
