Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Coton
| Rachel, second from left, with the AVA Digital Skills team. Where do you volunteer? I currently volunteer as a Digital Skills Champion with Adur Voluntary Action (AVA) and support a Dementia Carers Support group. I have previously volunteered at Chesham House in the vintage tea room and dementia group. How often and for how long do you volunteer? Currently I volunteer on a weekly / monthly basis depending in the role. This is usually 2 – 4 hours a week. What inspired you to volunteer? I had left my job in the NHS to have a break for caring reasons but found I had time on my hands going into the winter. I didn’t want to be reduced to watching daytime TV! I missed the socialisation that comes with working, so looked for something to get me out of the house and meeting and engaging with people. I did return to work and have since left. So it was a no-brainer to come back to volunteering! What were you hoping to get out of volunteering? I hoped to meet, to help and to make a difference to people’s lives. Things that I missed from being at work. What have you learnt? I’ve learnt that I love volunteering. Working alongside fellow volunteers and with people in differing situations beings me a lot of joy. The roles I have done all have a strong social element to them for me but also for those that attend. Many people live on their own as I do and it is very easy to become socially isolated, so I am glad I can make a difference to someone’s day. I’ve been able to transfer skills from the workplace to volunteering and keep them fresh. I will need to return to paid employment in the future and I will want to continue volunteering. Have you got a highlight or particular moment from your volunteering to share, something that helps to capture the essence of your volunteering? I have really enjoyed volunteering as a Digital Skills Champion. There is variety in the role. Sometimes it is a quick fix approach – how do QR codes work or setting up a new device. Other times it is working over a number of sessions, setting goals with the individual and helping them to achieve them. I get to use and pass on my knowledge and skills in a patient and structured way, whilst developing friendships. I have worked with an 80+ year old to set up a Vinted account, upload photos and content and sell items, all in a safe manner. I get to work with a team of volunteers who are happy to share their knowledge. The sessions have an amazing community vibe to them, lots of chat and laughter aided with refreshments and biscuits! If you’d be interested in joining Rachel and volunteering at AVA’s Digital Skills Session, contact Sarah Leeding to find out more: 📧 Email: sarah@adurva.org 📞 Phone: 01903 629 874 |