Volunteer of the month is when we get to shout about our amazing volunteers and the, quite literally, life changing work they do to help Fresh Futures run smoothly and effectively.
This month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Lawrence who volunteers as a Community Friend. We caught up with Lawrence to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a Scouser but have lived in the Huddersfield area since the 1980s. I am now retired and used to be a University lecturer in Manchester.
In the 80s and 90s I worked in the NHS for Huddersfield Health Authority.
How long have you been volunteering for Fresh Futures?
I have been volunteering for about 18 months for this charity and another local one.
Tell us more about your volunteering role:
My role is a very simple but enjoyable one which consists of visiting an elderly man who lives locally. We have a chat of an hour every week.
What’s a typical day volunteering like for you?
Its only an hour and we talk about where the conversation leads. The guy I have befriended is very interested in how Huddersfield is trying to survive as a town and follows the local news far better than I.
We talk a lot about the past and for instance, how public transport now seems so advanced, especially when you think of Huddersfield trams , branch railway lines and even trolley buses.
What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures?
I wanted to give back a little in my retirement and do voluntary work, I am a bit chatty myself so doing a befriending role seemed ideal!
I am also interested in history so talking and listening to someone in their 90s about the local history of Huddersfield and surrounding towns is fascinating .
And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering at Fresh Futures?
Try it out and be open to listening about the past and experiences of someone who has led a long and happy life.
The role can be very important to someone who may not get lots of visitors in a typical day or week.
If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Lawrence, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Lucy on 01484 519988 or [email protected]