Volunteers Make Abbeyfield Volunteers Make Abbeyfield | Page 20

Heather
Before applying to do medicine at university and to gain an insight into health and social care,
Heather approached her local Abbeyfield to volunteer.
“
We live with an aging population and it is a big focus for the NHS. I wanted to
spend time getting to know the older residents and understanding their needs.
“
Every Tuesday after school she would come to the house and make the residents tea, but Heather
describes it as being so much more than that.
“
The residents got to know me and were comfortable with me. They enjoyed
telling me stories of the past and discussing how things have changed.
“
So, when a part time paid post came up in the home, Heather jumped at the opportunity to work for
Abbeyfield before heading on to university.
Volunteering at Abbeyfield allowed Heather to see good care first hand and also gain the transferable
skills needed to support her in her move in to paid employment.