ACTION Winter 2012 Southwest

Stars come out for Diamond Champions

Long-service awards for Swindon library ladies

Jonathan’s keeping company with Keith

News, p5

News, p4

Day in the Life, p15

A happy gathering for Zillah SHAFTESBURY

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here were plenty of smiles in Shaftesbury as the WRVS Donhead Happy Gathering Club held their annual harvest lunch.

Attended by volunteers and many of the club’s members, the event became a double celebration as Area Manager Amanda Whitlock presented Service Manager Zillah Gillespie with her long-service award for over 50 years of volunteering with WRVS.

During the presentation Amanda read a letter of congratulation from WRVS Chief Executive David McCullough as well as the long-service citation on behalf of Her Royal Highness The Queen.

Amanda said: “Zillah took over running the club from her mother and has worked ceaselessly to ensure it is successful. Everyone here owes Zillah a debt of gratitude for all her hard work.

I am honoured to be able to present this award.”

Paralympic presentation

SOUTH & SOUTH WEST EDITION

WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD

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his year’s Windsor and Maidenhead Volunteer Awards saw WRVS volunteer Masaru Yamazaki receive a Young Volunteer Award for services to the community.

The award was presented by triple Paralympic gold medallist and Maidenhead resident Sophie Christiansen MBE. Masaru joined the Carebank service earlier this year so he could give something back to the community, and he now regularly visits a lady called Pearl to indulge in her

favourite hobby of Scrabble.

In what has turned out to be a great skill-swapping experience, Masaru’s visits not only provide a welcome boost for Pearl, they also give him the chance to improve his English skills with competitive games and good conversation.

Masaru said: “I volunteer because I like to contribute to society. After the massive earthquake in Japan, a lot of people supported us. I will never forget it and still appreciate it.

I volunteer as an expression of Japan being thankful.”

WINTER 2012

2 action

CONTENTS

1-4 Regional news 5 National news 6 Our work 8 Our new structure 10 Celebrating 75 years of volunteering 13 Take two volunteers 14 From the archives 15 A day in the life 16 Get in touch

welcome

“Volunteers and local service staff continue to support our service users and customers”

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t’s been a particularly busy autumn but we have a lot to show for our efforts. Our new hub structure is taking shape and the benefits of integrating our services are already becoming apparent (see pages 8 and 9).

We’ve welcomed new people, supported some to take on new roles and, sadly, said goodbye to others. Yet, throughout it all our volunteers and local service staff have continued to support our service users and customers. This doesn’t surprise me, but I don’t want you to think I take it for granted, so on behalf of myself and all the area managers, I’d like to say a big and sincere thank you.

2012 ends on a high with the celebration of our Diamond Champions – a high that continues into 2013 as we prepare to mark our 75th anniversary in May. On pages 10 and 11 you can read about our plans and apply for a place in our ballot to attend a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Seasons greetings and best wishes for 2013.

Sarah Gittins, Head of Operations South & South West

GET IN TOUCH

your letters Police thanks

Work experience

I’m writing to express my appreciation to WRVS volunteers who attended the traffic collision in Surrey recently. It was an extremely challenging scene but your volunteers provided refreshments and support for all the emergency services involved, allowing them to perform their roles in the most effective and professional manner.

Please pass on my thanks to the team for whom I have the upmost admiration. I would like to make a contribution of £250 to WRVS in recognition of the invaluable role they played during the incident.

Jerry Kirkby, Assistant Chief Constable of Surrey Police

As a new recruit to WRVS I received my first copy of action and read with interest the page that gave the background on two volunteers. I noted that one volunteer looked to gain experience before training in social work. As a social worker who is just about to retire, I found WRVS a welcoming activity for my retirement.

The joy is that WRVS still focuses on people’s needs.

Mrs E Spivey, Norwich

Helping with Dad I just wanted to let you know how invaluable I find the service and how friendly and accommodating Sue and the team are at Haywards Heath Meals on Wheels.

I am a carer to my Dad and have a young family. Holiday preparations can be stressful but to know that his dietary needs can be taken care of when I am away is a massive help.

Mr R Hastings

Kendal window

This photograph shows a passageway in the main wing of Westmorland Hospital in Kendal. Set into the passageway is a double doorway with decorative glass panels with a floral pattern and an old WRVS badge. Enquiries at the hospital have failed to discover its source. I wonder if any of our readers might be able to reveal its origin?

Derek Hails, Area Manager, North East and Cumbria

l @ChloeSmethurst11: I have just registered on the internet and now waiting for someone to call.

Younger people should help the older generation!

Thanks again l @MrsWHubbs: WRVS! Many memories of delivering meals on wheels with mum every school holiday – 50+ years, up to the day she died aged 72 Keep up with the latest news and views on Twitter @WRVS

Want to tell us about your good work?

Write to us (enclosing pictures for news stories): action South & South West, WRVS Cardiff Gate, Beck Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff CF23 8RP email us: action@wrvs.org.uk

The WRVS vision is a world where every older person has the opportunity and choice to get more out of life

action 3

PEOPLE

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3

you m

party was held for Sutton Benger Over 60s Club to celebrate the amazing achievement of 50 years in operation.

Volunteers, members and special guests, including the daughter of club founder, Ena Titcombe, attended the event, which boasted attractions such as afternoon tea, a raffle and a huge celebration cake.

During the event, three members, who had been with the service since it started, were presented with flowers

by Area Manager John Clifford to commend their dedication to the local community.

The club continues to meet every other week in the village hall, with around 40 regular

pertea su

Sutton Benger Over 60s Club

say

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned with WRVS?

members, who enjoy the opportunity to get together and catch up with friends.

hero 4

local

How valuable our elderly people are and how important it is to care for them. They have such wisdom and can teach us so much. They are not afraid to speak their mind, and that can be extremely flattering. I return from my round feeling wonderful from all the compliments.

Susie Greenwood, South East I have learned that if everybody gives a little it can develop into a mountain. A few hours a month is a drop in the ocean but can mean so much to someone in need.

Maureen Ross, Scotland Everyone has a story to tell and I have gained as much, if not more, than I have given as a WRVS volunteer in the way of friendship and knowledge.

Gillian Barnett, South East

Mary Elford

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olunteer Mary Elford was commended for her dedication to WRVS with the

presentation of her longservice badge for 30 years of continuous service.

Mary (pictured right alongside Service Manager Carol Snook) has had experience of many different services with WRVS since she

began volunteering in 1982, most recently at the coffee shop in Bristol’s Children Hospital.

If you know someone who could be your next Local Hero, let us know.

See page 16 for details.

Next issue’s question: What has been the most memorable WRVS event you have attended?

Send or email your answer, name, photo and details to the address on page 16.

4 action

REGIONAL NEWS

A great day for all ages T

BANBURY

he WRVS Banbury Cornhill Centre recently held a six-week, inter-generational programme in partnership with local youth centres, the Hill and the Hub, to help build relations between young and old in the community.

It was a great learning experience and everyone involved felt they gained a lot from the programme. Peggy Thurold, 83, said: “Youngsters tend to get put down and only get bad publicity. I’ve seen they have a lot of goodness and the way they accepted us old folk was brilliant.”

Sophie Pitton, 14, said: “Older people are amazing and have stories that are great to listen to – they are brilliant company.”

Library ladies’ triple booking

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t was smiles all round for volunteers from three WRVS Books on Wheels services across the South and South West after long-service award presentations took place.

Volunteers Myra Jackson and Patsy Brinkley (Swindon Home Library Service, right), Margaret Day, Sue Rescorla and Mary Miller (West Cornwall Books on Wheels, below right) and Jan Daly (East Cornwall Books on Wheels, below) were presented with awards to recognise the years of commitment and dedication they have shown to their local communities, helping provide a vital link for people who can no longer get to the library themselves. Congratulations to them all.

Goodbye, Joan EXETER

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fter more than 12 years as a volunteer, including many years as Service Manager for Exeter Mobility Centre WRVS tea bar, Joan Bennett has decided to retire.

To mark the occasion, a tea party was organised by volunteers who, alongside staff from the mobility centre, were there to celebrate the great work and commitment Joan has shown over the years.

Area Manager Amanda Whitlock said: “Joan will be greatly missed not just by myself and the volunteers, but also by the patients and staff. She has worked tirelessly in ensuring that the tea bar provides a friendly and welcoming service to all those that visit.”

action 5

NATIONAL NEWS nationwide Staff and volunteers from the WRVS shop in Sunderland Royal Hospital met His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent (below) while he was there to open a new wing.

Diamond Champion patron The Duchess of Cornwall hosted an event to thank the celebrities who have supported our search including (from left to right) Denise Robertson, Kate Adie, Kimberley Walsh, Phillip Schofield, Patricia Routledge, Gloria Hunniford and Roy Noble

Stars come out for Diamond Champions WRVS regional events herald those older people who make a difference CAMPAIGN

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o celebrate the diamond jubilee of our patron, Her Majesty The Queen, WRVS launched a search around the country for the UK’s Diamond Champions. These are older people who volunteer in their local communities and go the extra mile to make a real difference to the lives of others.

Charities and members of the public nominated more than 4,570 volunteers, ranging in age from 60 to 103. Our eight independent regional judging panels certainly had their work cut out to draw up a shortlist of 480 volunteers, 60 from each region.

Each of the 480 Diamond Champions were invited to a regional event, and they received a special commemorative pin and a certificate signed by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of

Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Ten Diamond Champions from each region also received an extra special invitation to celebrate their success with The Prince of Wales and The

Duchess of Cornwall at St James’s Palace.

You can see more photos and a list of our 2012 Diamond Champions on our website at wrvs.org.uk/get-involved/ diamond-champions

Celebrating unsung heroes “There is a misconception in our society that once you turn 60, it’s all downhill from there. Quite the contrary, older people can – and do – make a fantastic contribution to society in all sorts of different ways. Many work tirelessly supporting others in need, but they do this without reward or recognition.

“There is a whole generation of people out there who are vital to their communities, but we don’t hear about them

at all. WRVS, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are changing that with Diamond Champions and I am personally delighted to be championing something that celebrates the contribution that other people are making.”

Felicity Kendal, Diamond Champion ambassador

The South Bersted Air Scout Club has celebrated its community heroes, including volunteers from WRVS Bognor Regis Meals on Wheels.

WRVS Clydesdale Community Service held an open day to help raise awareness of WRVS in rural Lanarkshire.

Forty WRVS volunteers were on stand-by to provide support in case of emergency at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire.

Phyllis Roberts and Elinor Rhys-Williams from the WRVS trolley service at Bryn Beryl Hospital in Pwllheli have received long-service awards.

Thanks to the hard work of WRVS staff and volunteers, a £240,000 gifting has enabled Scarborough Hospital to completely refurbish its main entrance.

Carol Ashin, Brian Long and Lilian Bacon from WRVS Winster Darby and Joan Club (below) have been presented with long-service awards.

6 action

our work

)

comment

)

Our amazing progress When I wrote my letter to you in the summer we were in the middle of a long and difficult period, consulting with everyone about all the changes to jobs and structures that were being proposed and explaining what impact those changes would mean for all of the people who would be affected.

I’m delighted that we have now finished those consultations; that everyone has clarity about their roles; that we are bringing our teams together in community hubs and that we can press on with doing the important things that WRVS has to do. Thanks to all of you for your patience and goodwill during all the changes and special thanks for continuing to provide all our services so well and so efficiently.

It’s a real part of the “DNA” of our organisation that whatever changes people are faced with (from inside or outside), sleeves are rolled up, smiles appear and the work continues to get done. It’s one of the reasons that WRVS is held in such high regard by people who know us, and who admire the unique approach that we bring to some difficult jobs.

“Whatever changes we face, the work continues to get done”

I’ve spent a lot of time recently out and about visiting our hubs and services so that I can see what progress is being made, and listen to your concerns and answer your questions. The progress is amazing!

I am really encouraged by how many new ideas there are, how many new services are being put into place and how we are creating really professional local hubs from which we can expand the reach of WRVS. If you get some time then please have a look at my updates which I record every month – there’s more detail on some of the services I’ve visited and the things I’ve seen, which should give you a broader picture of what’s going on across all of WRVS. Read My WRVS on page 16 to find out more on the updates.

It will soon be Christmas, so I hope that whatever you are doing over the holidays you get some time to relax, to enjoy your friends and families and to give yourself a quiet pat on the back for all the terrific work that you’ve done this year.

Thanks for everything you do.

David McCullough, Chief Executive WRVS

behind the scenes PEOPLE

Hail and farewell Ruth Markland has stood down as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the end of her second term in office.

“Ruth has led WRVS through a period of great change and steered us strongly through the global financial crisis,” says Chief Executive David McCullough.

“That has enabled us to make significant investments in community hubs and systems to support our community and retail services. She leaves with our thanks.”

Richard Greenhalgh will be the new WRVS Chairman.

During his career he has held executive level posts in Unilever and has been Chair of the charity Care International.

Welcome also to John Pearson, who joins us as Executive Director of

Operations. John has been closely associated with Macmillan Cancer Care for a number of years and has many years’ experience as a director of organisations that deliver services through people. The previous Director of Operations, Angela Geer, moves into a new role in WRVS as Director of Strategy and Innovation.

Ruth Markland

The 12-month funding, worth £438,152, will enable WRVS to set up the schemes and support the running costs until they are selfsustaining. In the first year, we expect to support 3,850 people and make over 40,000 trips.

ACCREDITATION

The mark of quality GRANT

Funds to fight loneliness One in three older people find it difficult to get to where they need to go and this can leave them feeling very isolated.

Thanks to a grant from money raised through The Health Lottery, WRVS is on the road to making a real difference.

We’re developing 11 new community transport schemes in England and Scotland so that, with the help of our volunteers, older people will be able to get to the shops and medical appointments or visit friends and family to maintain that allimportant social contact.

Earlier this year, WRVS was proud to have been awarded Investing in Volunteers. We are also working towards achieving Investors in People and will be assessed for this in March 2013. Look out for the support materials that we’ll send to local services to explain how this will happen.

1,637

New volunteers have joined WRVS since the last edition of action – welcome!

action 7

SPECIAL REPORT: Making a difference

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second guide to... the WRVS Benevolent Trust

Pilot scheme gets off to a flying start WRVS volunteers are delivering results

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p to 70 per cent of acute hospital beds are occupied by older people, and up to half of them have a condition such as dementia which can make their hospital stay especially challenging according to the Department of Health.

A 12-month pilot scheme in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is improving the quality of stay for older patients with dementia.

According to an interim report, the specially trained WRVS volunteers who are working with a Dementia Nurse Specialist are already making a difference, to both the patients and the ward staff.

Relieving boredom The report includes comments from a number of patients, such as one lady who took part in a group bingo session arranged

Farewell to friends

Remembering those the WRVS family has sadly lost:

by our volunteers: “We look forward to bingo as it helps pass the time,” she said. Robert Carson, one of our on-ward volunteers, comments: “I love to host the bingo.

I am a fan of playing too, but hosting this on the wards for the patients is especially rewarding.”

Ward Manager Paul Steele also points out that activities such as bingo “help to reduce the risk of depression.” He believes our volunteers make a positive contribution by recognising problems that “may be missed by busy nurses on a very busy orthopedic ward.”

Helen used diversion art therapy and drew many pictures of the dog, which helped to keep the lady occupied and relaxed.

Sheffield Wednesdays The pilot is still running, but it’s achieved a lot so far with the dementia patients in Sheffield. Since the start of the pilot the quality of stay for older patients has greatly increased, and many of the staff on the ward have commented on the calmer atmosphere that WRVS has developed since the pilot began.

There’s been a positive effect on our volunteers as well.

“The experience I am gaining with WRVS in this project is Diversion therapy fantastic,” says Fazan, who has The report refers to a particular been helping out on the pilot patient who was extremely scheme, “but more than that distressed. Our volunteer, I love what I am doing. I really Helen, noticed a picture a Here for ofyou... look forward to Wednesdays!” dog on the lady’s bedside table.

What is the WRVS Benevolent Trust?

It is for the benefit of people who are, or who have been, WVS/WRVS volunteers or staff and provides one-off financial support in times of emergency or crisis.

Is money available only for certain problems?

No – there are no specific criteria on what constitutes an emergency financial situation. The only requirements are that you have volunteered or worked for WVS/WRVS and that you are on a fairly limited income. The kind of things the trust has helped to finance include an electric wheelchair, dental treatment and installing a stair lift.

How do I apply to the Benevolent Trust?

To apply for financial help from the Benevolent Trust you can download the application form from www.wrvs-benevolenttrust.co.uk You can also get in touch with the trust by leaving a short message on 07900 955070 or email wrvsbenevolenttrust@ hotmail.co.uk

WRVS Benevolent Trust Helping current and former

Sheila Callum, Dumfries;members, Barbara Goodyear, Louth; WVS/WRVS Lesley Dean, Leeds; Honey, Horsham; volunteers and staffVera who find Evelyn Donohoe, Shropshire; Joan Kirby, Hampshire; themselves Iris Giedziun, London; in unexpected Janet Sterry MBE, Luton; Sheila Hole, Poole &need. Recent Joan grants Williams, Whitchurch; financial Bournemouth; Irene Wright, Inverness have included:

8 action

UPDATE

Our new structure

The on-going integration of local WRVS services is already proving beneficial to older people

Keeping it local “T

his is our moment,” was the message David McCullough gave us in the last edition of action. With the growing population of older people, shrinking state support and sweeping changes in healthcare, there is more need than ever for WRVS services and volunteers. With our new structure in place we are now in a great position to make sure that even more older people can benefit from the practical support that can make such a difference to their lives.

Our ambition

When we developed our plans to create 67 community hubs we had three objectives in mind:

■ To put older people at the heart of what we do and deliver better outcomes for them. Listening to what they tell us will improve their lives and put together an individual package of services that will help them lead the lives they choose.

■ To grow our services so we can support more older people.

■ To be more consistent in what we do and how we do it throughout our 1,500 local services.

Here’s how we’re getting on

As we go to press, most of the 67 new community hubs are up and running.

Locality managers have been appointed

to lead the integration of all the local WRVS services and to work with service managers and customer support volunteers (previously known as volunteer outcome co-ordinators) to make sure older people can access the support that means they can continue to lead independent lives.

As well as integrating our services, we need to manage them in a standardised and consistent way. As part of their development plans, each hub will run a set of core WRVS services, such as transport, befriending and social activities that will be common to all hubs. Although we recognise the need for local flexibility, we are a nationwide organisation, and

action 9

The changing face of WRVS work in hospitals

£2m amount of money our EPoS system takes every month

that reach is important because it helps people understand what we do.

We’re introducing new software into our hubs that will help us manage the

“We’re making great progress getting our volunteers and services working together” individual packages of support for older people. Capturing this information in a consistent way, together with details of the outcomes we achieve, means we can

demonstrate the difference we make – which is critical when we are talking to potential funders.

Our new hub teams have their say

“We’re making great progress getting our volunteers and services working together,” says April Schwer, Locality Manager for the Shropshire Hub. “We’re having conversations with older people to find out what support they need and the kinds of things they are interested in. Then we look for a volunteer who would be a good match so there is a connection there – someone with a shared interest rather than

B

y the end of 2012 we will have installed a new EPoS (electronic point of sale) system into 100 of our largest hospitals.

This investment will help us reduce costs and increase our profits through better stock control and ordering. This in turn will result in higher gifting to the hospitals we support in this way.

We are working with many hospitals to discuss how the money we gift can be used to set up new WRVS services to support patients, such as the on-ward project in Sheffield (see page 7). And we are working closely with companies such as the Bromley Healthcare Trust and Circle, which have been brought in by the Government to turn around failing NHS hospitals. “The NHS is changing rapidly and by working with these companies, we are demonstrating that our trusted charity can be part of the new solutions,” says WRVS Director of Operations John Pearson.

a random carer. It’s a bit like matchmaking really!”

Joan Maclean, Locality Manager for the Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus Hub says: “How can we help if people don’t know what we do?

First we talked to our volunteers about our range of services and they are now spreading that knowledge throughout the community. Our new customer support volunteers are focal to bringing the breadth of WRVS services to older people. Demand for all services has increased considerably since the inception of the hub, in the case of social transport more than two-fold.

Keeping it local is the way to go.”

10 action

CAMPAIGN

Our anniversary Despatch rider Meg Moorat turning a corner in Whitehall, London

Preserving our past

Volunteers being presented with their special award

volunteer-led service to the community – not bad for an organisation that was supposed to end as peace broke out.

“A milestone anniversary such as 75 years is the ideal opportunity to celebrate success,” says Verity Haines, Director of Marketing and Development. “We’ll be

“A milestone anniversary such as 75 years is the ideal opportunity to celebrate success”

Celebrating 75 years of volunteering Reminding people that WRVS is as relevant today as it was in 1938

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n 20 May 1938, with the stroke of the Home Secretary’s pen, and the determination of Lady Reading, the Women’s Voluntary Services for Air Raid Precautions was born. As Lady Reading said at the time: “There is a new spirit in the country – the spirit of getting a job done, the achieving of what is asked.” And here we are, almost three quarters of a century later, gearing up to celebrate 75 years of

highlighting the exceptional work of our volunteers and reminding people that the spirit Lady Reading spoke of is still alive and well in WRVS.” We want to make 2013 a special year and so we’re lining up a range of activities in honour of all things WRVS. Celebrations for the year begin in May with a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London to highlight the work of our volunteers. We’ve reserved up to 2,000 spaces for our volunteers who will join 300 or so VIP guests – celebrities who support us and people who work in partnership with us.

For your chance to be at the service on 22 May 2013, fill in and return the ballot form on page 11.

We’re also organising the first ever national gathering of WRVS volunteers, which will take place in Birmingham towards the

action 11

T

he WRVS Archive and Heritage Collection was formed in 1958, on the eve of our 20th anniversary. Since then the Archive and Heritage Collection has been collecting material that all helps to tell the amazing story of over one million women and men who have given extraordinary service to their communities, and helped shape British society.

Over the last few years, WRVS volunteers have been working hard to preserve and improve access to the collection. In January 2013,

we will launch our online catalogue which will include around 5,000 photographs, all of our Narrative Reports, uniforms and accessories and some early policy documents – all in time for our 75th anniversary.

You can keep up to date with developments at the Archive and Heritage Collection by following their blog wrvs.org. uk/hbblog. You can also see a video of volunteers being presented with their special award from the Archives and Record Association.

end of 2013. This event will be a great opportunity to share experiences and learn from each other, as well as a chance to socialise and have some fun.

The next issue of action will have more details on how to apply for a place.

Turn to page 12 to find out how you can celebrate and raise funds for your local services with the WRVS Great Brew Break.

And please remember to complete your ballot form and post it over to us.

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St Paul’s Thanksgiving Service ballot Wednesday 22 May 2013 St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Full Name Address Phone number Circle your position Volunteer / Former volunteer / WRVS Association / Staff Circle your nation or region Wales / Scotland / North East & Cumbria / North West, Yorkshire & Humber / Midlands / East & South East / South & South West Please cut out and return this ballot entry by 22 January 2013 to: WRVS 75th Anniversary Ballot, Marketing Department, WRVS, Beck Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff, CF23 8RP. Alternatively you can enter this ballot online by visiting wrvs.org.uk/ballot We will let people know by 1 April 2013 if they have been successful in this ballot to attend the Thanksgiving Service to celebrate WRVS’ 75th Anniversary. If you have not heard from us by this date, then regretfully, you have not been successful in the ballot.

Registered charity number 1015988 and SC038924

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12 action

The The WRVS WRVS Great Great Brew Brew Break raises money Break raises money so so our our volunteers volunteers can can help help prevent loneliness prevent loneliness among among older older people people locally locally 29 29 April April -- 5 5 May May Request your pack and Request your pack and register your event online at register your event online at wrvs.org.uk/brewbreak wrvs.org.uk/brewbreak or call the contact centre on or call the contact centre on 029 2073 9000 and we’ll send 029 2073 9000 and we’ll send you a pack in the New Year you a pack in the New Year

Every Every

£1

makes makes a a difference difference

We’re not expecting to create a storm in a teacup, We’re not expecting to create a storm in a teacup, but we do hope everyone who stops for a cuppa but we do hope everyone who stops for a cuppa will donate £1 to WRVS services during the Great will donate £1 to WRVS services during the Great Brew Break.

Brew Break.

The WRVS Great Brew Break celebrates the two The WRVS Great Brew Break celebrates the two things we’re most famous for: the great services things we’re most famous for: the great services provided by WRVS volunteers and our cups of tea provided by WRVS volunteers and our cups of tea that have been making the people of Great Britain that have been making the people of Great Britain feel better for 75 years. feel better for 75 years.

Everyone can get involved and raise much needed Everyone can get involved and raise much needed money for our local services. We’ve made it easier money for our local services. We’ve made it easier than ever to get involved and have put together a than ever to get involved and have put together a pack to help you organise and promote your party. pack to help you organise and promote your party.

There are lots of great ideas to help you put the fun There are lots of great ideas to help you put the fun into fundraising. So register your interest now and into fundraising. So register your interest now and you’ll be one of the first to receive the pack. you’ll be one of the first to receive the pack.

action 13

TAKE TWO VOLUNTEERS

Agnes McFarlane

Margaret Stickley

“A lot has changed but it’s still about giving something back” Agnes McFarlane and Margaret Stickley are long-standing WRVS volunteers in Edinburgh and Telford, respectively

Agnes McFarlane

Margaret Stickley

When did you first volunteer?

It was back in 1986. I worked on the trolley and after that I went into the shop.

When did you first volunteer?

I started back in 1994. We have around 120 volunteers working at the Princess Royal Hospital and I help to compile the rotas.

What was the shop like then and how has it changed?

It was very small and a bit old-fashioned – just a counter and a shutter! In the early 1990s that all changed, and it’s now a self-service shop where people can get what they want and bring it to the till.

What’s your view on change?

The modernisation of the shop has worked well. I think change can be good or bad – it just depends on how you adapt to it.

Why are you still inspired to volunteer?

I originally volunteered because I was retiring. I continue to do it because it keeps my mind busy and makes me have to be organised. Although a lot has changed in my time here, it’s still about giving something back to the hospital.

Can you give me some examples of changes you have seen?

When I started, the rota process was very manual – we used cards. I helped get all the card information on to computer and set up a database which we used for quite a while, until a new database was brought in.

How do you approach change?

I don’t actually think what we do has really changed all that much – we still take care of the patients and they are always our primary concern.

Why are you still inspired to volunteer?

Because I like contact with other people.

I take satisfaction from what I do and have always felt drawn to the hospital.

14 action

From the archive WVS members serving men and women of the St John Ambulance at an emergency feeding exercise outside St Paul’s Cathedral, London in 1951

We’ve teamed upMomentum with Momentum Pictures to We’ve teamed We’ve with teamed Momentum up with Momentum Pictures to We’ve teamed upup with Pictures to to Pictures give one current WRVS volunteer an exclusive give one current give one WRVS current volunteer WRVS volunteer exclusive an exclusive give one current WRVS volunteer an an exclusive opportunity to win ato private of opportunity to a private win screening ascreening private of opportunity toopportunity winwin a private screening of ofscreening Quartet for 25 people.

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Quartet © 2013 Momentum Pictures. All Rights Reserved

Quartet © 2013 Momentum Pictures. All Rights Reserved

Quartet © 2013 Momentum Pictures. All Rights Reserved

Quartet © 2013 Momentum Pictures. All Rights Reserved

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Full and conditions are available by visiting wrvs.org.uk/my-wrvs 04/01/2013.

Full terms 04/01/2013. and conditions Full terms are and available conditions by visiting are available wrvs.org.uk/my-wrvs by visiting wrvs.org.uk/my-wrvs 04/01/2013.

Full terms andterms conditions are available by visiting wrvs.org.uk/my-wrvs

action 15

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Jonathan Moran catches up on his football and television chat whenever he visits Keith

“We’re here to help Keith’s view and sometimes that just means company” Jonathan Moran is a volunteer with Good Neighbours in the Stoke-on-Trent area

I

have been volunteering for around two years – and at the moment I do three days a week. I go out and about in the Stoke-on-Trent area and visit older people to find out what they need. I like dealing with people and finding out what their problems are and how I can help solve them, or at least make things better.

Keith is one of my regulars. I usually see him on a Tuesday and Thursday. When I get there, I check how he is and then often the next thing I do is head back out and go to the shops for him. When I get back we chat about what we’ve both been up to – we talk about football and Keith also likes his documentaries. We’re here to help, and sometimes all that means is providing a bit of company.

When I’ve completed a visit, I will go into the WRVS office and complete a report sheet. I then speak to my manager and make sure she’s updated.

Keith isn’t the only person I visit. There’s a lady I see whose husband has dementia.

I sit in with him, which means she gets a break to go out shopping.

I had never heard of WRVS before I did this and got into it thanks to my Nan, who knew a WRVS manager. I am 21 years old and studied social care at college, so have found this all very interesting. In fact, I would like to get into it more deeply.

I think WRVS is a really good charity to volunteer for. Sometimes people can get stuck and we can give them that bit of help that lets them move on.

I see Jonathan on Tuesday and Thursdays and have been seeing him for quite a while. He’s a very decent lad, and very patient with me because I can hardly walk.

We talk about lots of different things and he’s helped me do more, such as going to a lunch club.

Because I’m a bit unsteady I’m always frightened of falling, but he helps me with my confidence.

I definitely look forward to seeing Jonathan each week. My cousins come and see me now and again, but it’s really nice having extra company.

CONTACTS HEAD OF OPERATIONS

action is produced by WRVS internal communications

Sarah Gittins sarah.gittins@wrvs.org.uk 07714 898654

Editor Craig Burke action@wrvs.org.uk Tel: 029 2073 9014 WRVS vision A world where every older person has the opportunity and choice to get more out of life.

Area Manager Amanda Whitlock amanda.whitlock@wrvs.org.uk 07714 898658

WRVS purpose To deliver practical support through the power of volunteering so older people can get more out of life.

Cornwall & Devon Hub Locality Manager: Gillian Bennett 07436 800901

SOUTH & SOUTH WEST

Area Manager Irena Wasylowski irena.wasylowski@wrvs.org.uk 07714 898549

Area Manager Margaret Lawson margaret.lawson@wrvs.org.uk 07714 898551 Berkshire Hub Locality Manager: Liz Price 0845 600 5885

Area Manager John Clifford john.clifford@wrvs.org.uk 07545 925757 Bristol & Somerset Hub Locality Manager: Laura Goringe 07736 825307 Gloucestershire & Swindon Hub Locality Manager: Trish Reeves 07736 825298

Join us, support us To find out about volunteering opportunities with WRVS call 0845 601 4670 To make a donation to support our work call 0845 607 6524 WRVS benevolent trust For volunteers in sudden financial need. 26 Pound Lane, Isleham, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5SF

North & South West Hampshire Hub Locality Manager: Lynda Morris 0845 600 5885 Portsmouth, East Hants & Isle of Wight Hub Locality Manager: Andy Bloor 07730 526275

wrvs.org.uk Registered charity number 1015988 and SC038924

Oxfordshire Hub Locality Manager: Liz Reed 0845 600 5885 We have appointed Locality Managers to most hubs but if there is no LM named then there was no one in post on 16 November when action went to print.

Keep up to date with My WRVS This volunteer area on our website is your gateway to contacting other volunteers and having your say in the latest WRVS discussions. When you sign up to My WRVS you’ll be able to see regular videos of our Chief Executive David McCullough, where he updates everyone on the progress being made at WRVS and our plans for the future.

publisher Published on behalf of WRVS by Think, The Pall Mall Deposit, 124-128 Barlby Road, London W10 6BL www.thinkpublishing.co.uk Publishing editor: Jack Kibble-White Regional editor: Andrew Cattanach Sub-editor: Andrew Littlefield Art director: Alistair McGown Publisher: John Innes Managing Director: Polly Arnold PAGE ADVERTISING Craig Burke 029 2073 9014 INSERT ADVERTISING Tom Fountain 020 8962 1258 or email tom.fountain@thinkpublishing.co.uk Š 2012 WRVS. All rights reserved. Every reasonable endeavour has been made to find and contact the copyright owners of the images and works included in this newspaper. However, if you believe a copyright work has been included without your permission, please contact us at action@wrvs.org.uk WRVS action is printed on FSC paper coming from a well-managed forest. The publishers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Views of contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the policy of WRVS nor those of the publishers.

Please pass on this magazine or recycle when finished.

Just visit wrvs.org.uk/my-wrvs TT-COC-002559

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Dorset & Wiltshire Hub Locality Manager: Lisa Knight 07436 800897

wrvs Beck Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff CF23 8RP Tel: 029 2073 9000