Volunteering with Age Concern Northern Ireland

Spotlight on.........

Charlotte Friars

Charlotte has been a volunteer at Laurel Hill House near Lisburn for the past fourteen years.

Laurel Hill is a Day Centre run by Age Concern Northern Ireland for people with dementia. The C

entre has been operating for over 15 years, and provides a range of social activities and personal care for ten people per day, five days per week. The Centre also provides much needed respite support for family and carers of those with dementia.

Charlotte on volunteering…………

“I have been a volunteer here for the past 14 years or so. I decided to join Age Concern as a volunteer after I was bereaved. I was feeling lonely and depressed, and when I was offered the opportunity to volunteer one day a week at the centre, I welcomed the chance to get out of the house.

"I now volunteer at Laurel Hill three days a week, and the tasks I am involved in include travelling on the bus with the clients, to and from the Centre, making sure everyone has their seatbelt on, and that they are generally safe. I also accompany the group on short outings, help out at the centre with tea, lunches and snacks, and if I am needed, I occasionally help out with activities such as bingo.

"I would strongly recommend volunteering to everyone, especially those who are maybe feeling alone or isolated. I have made so many friends as a result of my volunteering, I have plenty to occupy my time, and something to wake up for everyday. Just because I am older doesn’t mean I can’t be useful, and I love the feeling of being able to help others less fortunate than myself. “



Home Why Volunteer? Opportunities Volunteer Profile Faqs Contact Us	Spotlight on......... Charlotte Friars Charlotte has been a volunteer at Laurel Hill House near Lisburn for the past fourteen years. Laurel Hill is a Day Centre run by Age Concern Northern Ireland for people with dementia. The Centre has been operating for over 15 years, and provides a range of social activities and personal care for ten people per day, five days per week. The Centre also provides much needed respite support for family and carers of those with dementia. *Charlotte on volunteering…………* “I have been a volunteer here for the past 14 years or so. I decided to join Age Concern as a volunteer after I was bereaved. I was feeling lonely and depressed, and when I was offered the opportunity to volunteer one day a week at the centre, I welcomed the chance to get out of the house. "I now volunteer at Laurel Hill three days a week, and the tasks I am involved in include travelling on the bus with the clients, to and from the Centre, making sure everyone has their seatbelt on, and that they are generally safe. I also accompany the group on short outings, help out at the centre with tea, lunches and snacks, and if I am needed, I occasionally help out with activities such as bingo. "I would strongly recommend volunteering to everyone, especially those who are maybe feeling alone or isolated. I have made so many friends as a result of my volunteering, I have plenty to occupy my time, and something to wake up for everyday. Just because I am older doesn’t mean I can’t be useful, and I love the feeling of being able to help others less fortunate than myself. “
Copyright 2006 Age Concern Northern Ireland. Tel: 9024 5729 Fax: 9023 5497 Registered Charity No. XN 48785A.