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

Lorraine has volunteered for Re-engage for 17 years and is a tea party host as well as a local and area coordinator.  Throughout lockdown, she also volunteered her services as one of our call companions.

Why did you decide to become a Re-engage volunteer? 

I love baking, entertaining and chatting, so when I saw an advert in my local paper for a tea party hostess, I thought, "I can do that."

What does your role involve?

I'm a tea party hostess and coordinator, as well as a call companion. Basically, I get involved in everything that helps the service that Re-engage provides for older people run smoothly.

What’s the best thing about being a volunteer?

It’s knowing that, by hosting an afternoon tea party for older people, you're helping to combat loneliness, It’s also the chatter round the room, and one of my guests telling me they don’t want the afternoon to end.

Our volunteer drivers have been heroes over the past year. Most of them have turned up every month to make small deliveries to our local guests, all the time keeping within government guidelines.

What makes you get out of bed every morning?

Hoping I can do something to help somebody who's in need.

What do would you say to anyone who was thinking of volunteering for Re-engage?

The pleasure our tea party guests get from meeting once a month for a cup of tea is so rewarding. It’s not hard work and it’s a privilege to sit and to listen to their life experiences and local knowledge. It’s only one afternoon a month for a couple of hours and it’s worth every minute.