MEET THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER, NICKY! 🤩
I was recently asked why I volunteer at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre, and was happy to reply in the hope of encouraging others to join in too!
We moved 80 miles north to this beautiful area of Stocksbridge and Deepcar last August, and spent the autumn and winter making the house we bought into a home. We are so pleased we made the decision to relocate. I love this area so much but have to admit that I really miss all my friends, the social life I had before, and admittedly some routine in my life, as I had effectively retired when we made the spontaneous decision to up-sticks and move house.
I decided that I needed to get involved with my new community in the hope of meeting new people. I considered delaying my ‘early retirement’ and start looking for employment again but now, living closer to my family, I worried that my new found freedom from the restrictions of a ‘proper job’ would mean that I wouldn’t be able to help out with Granny care as and when needed … I felt the answer was to get involved with volunteering.
There were many opportunities to volunteer in this area, but then one of our neighbours told me the story of Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre. After researching online, I thought how good it would be to be able to help out and meet local people between family commitments and visits from my old pals!
During spring this year, I filled in the form online and before long, I was contacted and went along to meet Julie, Assistant Centre Manager – Operations. We had a lovely chat and she made me feel so welcome. We spoke about all the roles that I could consider, given the experience I had from my previous paid employment. However, I really wanted to do something I’d never done before!!
I now help out officially just once per week for about 4+ hours in the busy café that is opposite reception, but if the ladies working there need additional support, they call to see if I can help. The Tuesday morning team I work with are fabulously funny and welcoming, and I do my best to support them. On a selfish note, I am rewarded by getting to meet other members of the volunteering team, the centre’s actual employees, and all the amazing characters that are SCLC’s customers and members, as well as having a regular commitment in my diary. I also feel part of something again, if that makes sense.
I also helped out at the Easter Fayre by manning a fundraising stall and look forward to playing a small part in other fundraising events at/for the centre.
It’s so enjoyable to do something very different to my working career, whilst also being useful. I love the team of ladies that I work alongside in the café and reception area … deciding to volunteer here has been an excellent decision! I would encourage anyone out there who is just wondering if they should dip a toe in the water, to go ahead and enquire. I believe that there is something at the centre that would suit everyone … be it for just a few regular hours, or just to support the occasional fundraising event, or to fill up an empty week. Whatever you can offer is greatly appreciated and is so rewarding when you find ‘your thing’!