Blackpool Social Care Volunteers Service

Maggie first applied to be a volunteer with Blackpool Council Adults Volunteers Team in 2009, in her own words “I like socialising and mixing with all different people and I like a challenge. Because of my stroke and having to give up my job which I loved, I feel as if I have a lot to offer and would love to get involved with volunteering to regain my confidence”.

About the role

Maggie tried several of our roles but the one she finally settled with and helps people through is the ‘Sitting Service’. She visits the same person each week for two hours, giving the carer a break so they have time to go shopping or catch up with appointments without worrying. Over the years she has supported many carers, often sitting more than twice a week for different clients.

Despite having a stroke herself, which has left her arm paralysed and affected her walking, she uses the services of volunteer drivers to stop this preventing her from carrying out her role. Over the years, she has supported a wide variety of people who have become friends and not just clients whom she visits.

The benefits of volunteering

According to Maggie, the best bit of volunteering is:

Maggie also remembers one client who she went to sit with who had also just had a stroke and, on seeing Maggie with her disability, was inspired to try and get mobile again herself.

Alongside her volunteering, Maggie attends regular training courses and especially liked the dementia training which she feels is particularly relevant to the clients she is now supporting, giving her helpful tips and guidance which she can put into practice. She also attends the monthly socials when she can where she gets to meet other volunteers with the same values and goals.