Why do you volunteer?
It’s good to be able to help others who are going through similar situations to those that I’ve been through.
I had been going to the Milton Keynes Muscle Group meetings for years before I began to chair it. So I was already aware of the value of being part of a group who understood what I was going through, and being able to share information and advice is extremely valuable.
Once I started chairing the meetings, I realised the value of being able to say, ‘in my experience’. It is all very well for an able-bodied person to read off a brochure, or something they have printed off the internet, but unless they have experienced it, it is somehow different.
For example, I have experienced going through the transition to using an electric wheelchair, and I can help people to realise that it’s not giving up, it’s just doing things differently. In fact, it probably enables us to do more.
What do you feel the benefit of volunteering is to you?
As a member of the Joseph Patrick Trust panel, it’s really good to be able to support families and individuals across the country, who need equipment that is not being provided by the NHS or social services.
So in one afternoon we can help 40 to 50 families or individuals in raising funds for equipment that will make their lives easier. I enjoy being able to help others who are going through difficult times in their lives.
Reducing isolation
With the Peer Support programme, it’s good to be someone that people can talk to and let off steam to, if they need that.
Also, one of the people I have been in contact with, said that he had felt very isolated, so it was good for him to speak to someone who understood what he was going through.
So the value to me is to be able to help others going through what I have already experienced, and being able to help them realise that their life is just different, but they can still manage to do things. They just have to find new ways of doing them.
Volunteer with us
Do you want to develop your skills and make every day count for people with muscle-wasting conditions? Find out how to volunteer
Get in touch and share your story.