profile picture of Anna

Anna's Story

When I was studying for my A levels, I heard about the Help at Hand Project, which is a project to help older people in the community with a variety of jobs around their home. That was how I met Kay who is a truly wonderful person and I really enjoyed spending time with her. I was able to help with simple things like shopping, cooking, walking the dog and gardening but more than anything I enjoying hearing Kay talk about her life and all her adventures.

Kay loved her garden and with her help and guidance, I was able to restore the garden to its former glory, which made kay extremely happy and also helped me earn my Green Guardian badge.

profile picture of Ben

Ben's Story

I'm Ben and I'm a volunteer for an emergency homeless shelter in Lincoln. I volunteer in the evening and overnight at the shelter. I usually volunteer one night a week and every day is different.

One of my favourite things about being a volunteer at the shelter is being able to talk to a huge variety of people I wouldn't normally come into contact with. Ther residents have so much to offer in the way of conversation and they always have stores to tell. My role includes cleaning and tidying, preparing rooms for new residents and, of course, playing plenty of cards. Most residents are happy to prepare their own meals and normally offer to share with other residents and volunteers. If residents break the rules, I have to report this which is one of the harder parts of the job because it may lead to someone being evicted from the shelter.

All in all, I really enjoy being at the shelter and aven though it can be tough at times, the laughter more than makes up for it.