We never know what to expect – changing a lightbulb, or changing a life?
Changing a lightbulb doesn’t seem much- but what if the light fitting on the landing right next to the stairs. You used to get up there with the step ladder, but nowadays you are less steady and it isn’t such a good idea. Picking up the phone could prevent a fall and everything that could follow then.
Does Good Neighbours really change anyone’s life? Of course our volunteers can’t work miracles, but one managed, for example, to sit patiently on the phone for a long time and sort out overcharging on utility bills. That took a really big worry away. Life the next week did feel quite different.
Another volunteer has become a whizz at helping fill in forms to apply for a disabled parking permit. People with disabilities don’t need to have a car themselves, but they can make things easier by popping their permit on the dashboard when family or friends go with them on a shopping trip. Because it can make parking easier on a busy Saturday ‘it feels as if I’ve got something to offer’ said one new permit-holder.
Yet another volunteer now drops in on an older person who lives on their own for a cup of tea and a catch-up after work. A quick look together at just how to find things on the smart TV meant more choices opening up and more to talk about on the next visit too.
Good Neighbour volunteers have different backgrounds, and different skills. Answering the phone means finding the right person for the right request. And if we can’t do it, we can often suggest someone who can. Feel free to give us a call: 07443 564 516