Occupational Therapy News OTnews January 2019 | Page 29

VOLUNTEERING FEATURE Volunteering changed my life When as a teenager Jayne Le Grice volunteered for a charity that provides respite holidays and short breaks, little did she anticipate that it would be the first step on a path that would change her life, and lead to her training to become an occupational therapist just a few years later in my life. I met so many incredible people who made the entire experience so amazing. ‘Seeing the disabled guests’ strength filled me with such overwhelming admiration, gratitude and respect. So many people have tough times in their lives, yet they still manage to conquer each day and achieve so much. Not only is it an incredible charity, with great staff and a lovely setting, it is a serious eye opener. ‘You gain so much knowledge and develop your skills with a diverse group of people with varying needs. It also allows a chance to come across equipment and approaches that you may never have seen before.’ There is no doubt that Jayne is incredibly thankful for that placement, which changed her life. ‘For the past five years I have worked as a residential support worker within a specialist school for young people with autism and communication needs,’ she says. ‘I’m grateful for the amazing experiences I get within this position. The training, the practice, my team, the other departments and professionals, and the young people and their families... they all help me gain skills and knowledge to put forward into my future career.’ Jayne is now all set up and eager to start her BSc Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Derby. ‘I’ll then be fully qualified in three years – all being well,’ she exclaims. ‘For the past few years I have become a little obsessed with the incredible work within occupational therapy. So it only seems right to finally make that leap and become an occupational therapist. ‘Without doubt, Revitalise led me to that choice. Thank you.’ A t 18 years old, Jayne Le Grice volunteered for the charity Revitalise, which provides holidays for disabled people and carers. It was an experience that changed her life forever. A decade on, Jayne explains why it had such a profound effect on her. ‘Before volunteering at Revitalise I was a bit of a home-bird,’ Jayne explains. ‘It was a big step for me, but I wanted to venture out of my comfort zone, to gain knowledge and develop my skills. The opportunity came up on my college course, so I put my name forward. ‘I’ll be honest; once I arrived at one of Revitalise’s holiday centres I was a little apprehensive. Realising I was in a strange place for a whole week, doing something I’d never done before, felt a little daunting. ‘But that feeling didn’t last long at all. As soon as I got chatting to the guests and other volunteers it felt like home from home, despite it being “work”. I knew I had nothing to worry about and I soon felt comfortable and eager to get started.’ Jayne reflects that, ‘being in a holiday setting, there isn’t a moment that goes by that‘s not filled with fun and laughter’. ‘Most of all, it’s about the people you meet, the stories you hear and the experiences you share,’ she says. ‘A lady I supported with cerebral palsy amazed me. She was so down to earth and didn’t let anything stand in her way. Despite the challenges facing her, she was unstoppable [and] so inspiring. ‘There was another lady who I met there who has become a lifelong friend. It was a roller coaster of emotions throughout the week, but definitely a ride I am glad I took.’ When Jayne got home, she says that she ‘felt a newfound sense of maturity and confidence’. ‘It was a big responsibility to take on,’ she muses. ‘I realise now that I showed some emotions that had never come to surface before Jayne Le Grice is now studying on the three-year full-time BSc Occupational Therapy at Derby University If you are interested in volunteering for Revitalise, enquire at: www.revitalise.org.uk/ volunteer, tel: [phone] or email: [email protected] OTnews January 2019 29