Friends of Avery Place

Aleena keeps herself busy at all times: boxing, kickboxing, volunteering at a mental health institute, extra-curricular courses, or simply reading – you name it. Despite having numerous interests and studying for her exams, Aleena spends a few hours every Saturday volunteering at the Averyplace Care Home.

Aleena decided to begin her volunteering experience after her Grandma’s cancer diagnosis as well as her next-door-neighbour’s dementia. The care home was “just around the corner”, so Aleena didn’t think twice. “I like caring for people and I think it’s really rewarding”. Aleena lists the hardships of volunteering: “The suffering is hard to observe. Also working with residents with dementia might be challenging; one resident asked me about 10 times who I was and what I was doing there, all within 20 minutes.”

Although Aleena found it difficult to develop relationships with residents with dementia, she has worked with residents with whom she “managed to form relationships she would never have if she hadn’t decided to volunteer”.  Aleena’s visits in the care home became less frequent due to her exams which has made some of the residents quite upset.

Aleena reflects on everything she’s learned at the Care Home: “I didn’t even know I had so much patience. Since I started volunteering, I’ve become more understanding and my communication skills have improved, too.”

Aleena has found passion in helping people; “I think what makes me a good volunteer is my hard work and dedication. I always try to do my best and I’m genuinely caring by nature.”

The volunteer emphasises the importance of commitment and patience in charity work; “I believe those are the key attributes in volunteering” – she adds. She has observed how motivation and willingness to put time and effort into interacting with residents benefit their well-being. “Seeing them smile is the most gratifying feeling.”

If it wasn’t for her work at Averyplace Care Home, Aleena would have not heard the captivating stories from the residents. “They used to live so differently at their age. I love listening to stories about the war, the toys they used to play when they were little.” Aleena organised group conversations, one-to-one sessions or simple daily activities. “Daily sparkle is my favourite. That’s when the residents get to listen to the music from when they were young and just talk about the past. It’s really heart-warming.”

“Even making them a cup of tea makes them happy and it is highly gratifying that I am able to make them happier and make a change.” She has learnt that small things can make a big difference to residents.

Volunteering has encouraged Aleena to pursue her career in a patient-centred environment, fuelling her motivation to do her best in her final exams and reach her goals.

The service offers residents of Avery Place Care Home a range of goods to purchase including books, music records, cards, toiletries, gifts, and sweets. The residents can make independent choices and treat themselves or their loved ones by choosing items from the “shop on wheels”.

Not only does Trolley Service respond to residents’ need of purchasing basic goods, but it also provides an opportunity to chat with volunteers on duty. Visiting the residents’ room on a regular basis allows volunteers to engage with residents and brighten their day with a chat. Conversation – a seemingly simple act – can make a great impact on an elderly person’s sense of well-being. The Trolley Service also captures some of the elements of life happening outside of the care home which residents long for the most. Incidental chit-chats resulting from the service stand a chance to become a beginning of friendships and meaningful relationships between residents and volunteers, allowing volunteers to play an active role in making residents’ lives more enjoyable.

The Friends discussed how to recruit more volunteers locally and projects that we could begin fundraising for.