Jessica's story
Jessica is one of our Telephone Befrienders. She calls carers regularly to check in and see how they are doing, offering to discuss anything the carer would like to talk about or get off their chest.
I started volunteering for Carers First because I am a carer and I understand how hard and challenging it can be. But most importantly how little there is out there for carers, so I wanted to give back and help those like me.
A Telephone Befriender is someone that calls once a week for 12 weeks. We talk about everything from the weather, sports or appointment worries or a stressful event that's happened that week. Anything that gives the carer the time to get things off their chest or take their mind off their worries.
I love doing my volunteering as it is so flexible, you find the time that suits you and the carer best. I find hearing a carer say, "I truly appreciate having you to talk to" means so much to me. Even with carers who are not as forthcoming, showing how everyone finds telephone befriending helpful. I love being that person they can say anything to without worrying about judgement or negative reactions. Everyone needs someone they can talk to.
Lesley's story
Lesley is one of our Befrienders. She explains why she volunteers and how much helping others means to her.
Hi my name is Lesley, and I'm a befriender for Carers First.
Whilst I'm a carer for my daughter Holly, who has Down Syndrome, I also became a carer for my lovely mum who had Vascular Dementia. Carers First were there to support me, it was so good to be able to talk with similar people who were in the same situation as me. I'm a great believer that talking is the best medicine we can give, it costs nothing to put a smile on someone's face when they are going through one of the hardest times of their life, caring for someone.
I love what I do, and have made so many good friendships along the way. Carers First rocks! Alongside me! If you can be anything, be kind.
Eve's story
Eve currently volunteers in our Telephone Befriending Team.
I choose to volunteer as it is my passion to support people and also being a carer myself, I know the feeling of relief when you have someone to talk to, with no judgement.
My role involves dedicating 12 weeks to calling a carer and being their to listen to them and support them. Carers can talk about whatever they would like to and I feel it's so important to empower carers to know that they are important too and the call is just for them, and they can talk about whatever they would like.
Volunteering feels very rewarding.
Ayfer's story
Ayfer is one of our compassionate Telephone Befrienders.
The reason for volunteering in general is because I wanted to give something back for everything I had and feel lucky to have. As for Carers First, I was a foster carer first and I know how important it is to have someone to talk to on the other end of the line and not bottle it up.
It benefits everyone not just the person having the conversation but people who are around them. My role involved calling a carer and listening with genuine intent to help. It makes me feel good if my existence and personality was put to a good use.
We talk a little about the carer's hobbies, life and have little laughs. It's that proof of a connection between two people that is priceless for me.
Pauline's story
Pauline volunteers to help out at our support groups She enjoys knowing that her time and support is improving the lives of carers.
I have worked in the care industry for 25 plus years, until the last few years when I have had a couple periods of really poor health resulting in not being able to work.
Once I was back on my feet again I felt that I really wanted to do something positive and continue to help and support people in the care sector. I was aware of the work that Carers First do and was more than willing to volunteer some of my time to help out.
The support groups are a great way to get people together who are basically all in the same boat, and they can share their experiences and provide support to each other. I have been so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to take part in the support groups where I can provide a warm welcome to carers and provide refreshments. The organiser is then free to dedicate their time to talking to the carers and being able to provide further support if they are required to.
I love my role and feel that I am making a positive contribution to the groups I support.
Neal's story
Neal is one of our Telephone Befrienders, ensuring carers are listened to.
Following a tough separation, I felt at times, incredibly lonely and following a particularly low period last Christmas, I wanted to give back, with the objective that nobody should feel alone or lonely, in whatever circumstance they are facing.
My role as a telephone befriender enables carers to reach out and talk. We can chat about literally anything and quite often, we have a lot of fun and build a relationship where you get to know each other very quickly and can also be in a position to have lots of laughs together over the telephone.
I feel incredibly humble but also very fulfilled being a telephone befriender as you can genuinely hear the positive contribution you are making. The sense of purpose and responsibility is also very fulfilling.
Just the sheer amount of fun and 'banter' you have chatting to various carers is one of the memorable parts of my role. Being a carer doesn't define you, but it can be a lonely place, so to have the ability to spend time on the phone, chatting and laughing, is a welcome distraction, for both the carer and telephone befriender, which is quite a special feeling.
Chris' story
Chris has always held to the maxim that ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’, so when he reached retirement 15 years ago, he began volunteering. Over the years he’s spoken to over 5,000 carers.
In the time since I’ve been making calls, I’ve arranged helpline callbacks for about 400 carers. About 50 of these were people in a desperate situation and weren’t sure they could carry on caring. I’m proud to have played a part in getting carers the support they need.
Carers tend to get on with things without asking for help. I spoke to one lady who started our call saying she was ok and didn’t need any help. She went on to mention she had cancer and was caring for two people! I gently suggested she could do with some support.
I would most definitely recommend volunteering for Carers First. They’ve always respected my experience and allowed me to share my ideas to improve processes. They also make me feel very valued - I visited the Head office a couple of years ago and they made me feel like a celebrity. Everyone seemed to know who I was and thanked me.
Ariel's story
Ariel is one of our Check-in and Chat Volunteers. He’s made hundreds of calls to carers asking how they’re doing and seeing if they need help.
I’m studying for my degree and wanted to get some volunteer experience. I was unsure about the role at first because I’m not the most confident person and was worried about calling strangers. However, Jenny (his Volunteer Coordinator) has encouraged and supported me every step of the way.
My sense is that carers tend to get on with things and don’t always ask for help. It’s really rewarding to think I might have helped someone just by asking how they are and encouraging them to contact Carers First for support.
It has been sobering at times hearing how tough some people’s lives are and has made me appreciate my life more. I would recommend volunteering with Carers First. They are really supportive and it makes you feel like you’re doing good.