Retiree Joy, 72 volunteers at Erith library – she runs a ‘Stich & Sew’ group and a Family History (Ancestry) group
Tell us about your volunteering roles
“In our ‘stich and sew’ group, I give up my time to help others sew, knit and crochet items. I provide support, and guidance where needed. The ladies that attend make things and then we sell the items at church fetes or from a stall at Erith Riverside Mall. All the proceeds go to Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Service. When I first started the group, it was just me, but soon, word got round and now it’s very popular, with around 18-25 members a week. We have tea and cake and it’s turned into a lovely social event as well. Some members have said how the group has stopped them from being lonely and isolated at home – they look forward to it”
The Family History group started as it was something I’d always been interested in - I’d been researching my family tree for around 10 years. One day someone asked me for help in doing theirs, and it grew from there, Now there are six of us who meet once a week to learn about our family history. We use the facilities and computers at the library to help us, we share tips and advice and we can guide others to the right place to find the information they need – it’s very rewarding to see things come together.
How often do you volunteer?
We meet every Tuesday, and every other Wednesday for the Stitch and Sew group, and once a week for the Family History group
How do you fit volunteering around the rest of your life?
Being retired, I have time to volunteer. I can’t sit at home and do nothing – I like to get out and about. Volunteering has an added bonus - My husband says it gives him a couple of hours peace and quiet!
What do you find most rewarding about being a volunteer?
I like being part of things – the team at Erith Library is very supportive and helpful. It makes me feel part of the community. Volunteering keeps my brain active, its sociable and new friendships have been made with ladies who play cribbage and scrabble together – volunteering has so many benefits and rewards. I enjoy helping others, I enjoy the laughs and the jokes and the gossip! Sometimes we are a bit noisy, but we haven’t been told off yet!
Volunteering has lots of added benefits – for example, at one of our group exhibitions, we were visited by the previous Mayor of Bexley and she was so impressed she invited us to take a tour of the new Civic Offices – it was something that would have never have happened if I hadn’t been volunteering.
Do you have any advice for someone who’s thinking of volunteering?
Try it – see if you like it. There are so many opportunities to get involved in your community, there’s bound to be something that suits you and which can fit around your lifestyle – give it a go, you’ll be pleased you did!