Throughout Volunteers' Week, we’ll be catching up with some of our volunteers to hear about their experiences of volunteering for Re-engage and what makes them tick. 

Lionel, who's 88, is one of our call companion coordinators.

Why did you decide to become a Re-engage volunteer?
Re-engage wrote to me wishing to know if I wanted to be called on a regular basis by one of their volunteers.  As I have a long history of helping folk in need, I suggested I might be of value in such a role.

What does your role involve?
My role is coordinating the relationship of volunteers and those on the receiving end of regular phone calls, and engaging with both ends.

What's the best thing about being a volunteer for Re-engage?
"Giving is receiving." It's as simple as that.

What makes you get out of bed every morning?
Mainly habit - I've been doing it for a long time, being 88 years old.  Apart from which, lying in bed can be quite boring if you don't need sleep.

Do you have a favourite saying or quote that you live by?
On re-reading Viktor Frankl's astonishing work, Man's Search for Meaning, I came across the following, “He who has a why to live, can bear with almost any how.”

What do would you say to anyone who was thinking about becoming a volunteer?
Simply, “Don't hesitate - go for it NOW.”