A tasty treat for volunteers

Carers’ Hub Rochdale volunteers on their ‘Chippy Walk’

Carers’ Hub Rochdale treated their volunteers to a ‘Chippy Walk’ on Tuesday to celebrate Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June). Volunteers and staff from the Hub enjoyed a lovely stroll in the sunshine around Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough followed by a chip butty lunch sat by the lake.

Carers’ Hub Rochdale volunteers help to provide essential services to carers throughout the borough.  Befriending and respite volunteers are matched with a carer, who provides them with a short break of two hours every week. There is also a 24 hour CHAT Line that is manned by volunteers who provide a listening ear for carers when they need someone to talk to.

Natalie Paintin, Carers Breaks Co-ordinator for Rochdale Carers Hub said: “It was lovely to be able to say thank you to all of our volunteers for all of the support they offer to the Hub and to carers throughout Rochdale.

“We really couldn’t offer our services without our amazing volunteers and will always be grateful for the time they give to us. We would also love to hear from anyone who may like to find out more about volunteering for the Hub or the services that we offer to carers.”

One volunteer said: ​​​​:​“We volunteer as we are carers ourselves, supporting our three children. Our friend, who is also a carer asked us if we would like to join the chat line. Both myself and my wife support the chat line at different times, to support other carers as best possible when they need someone to talk to. When we have spoken to someone about their issues it can often make us realise that our caring role really isn’t so hard, I personally find it very grounding. We have also learnt to treat the callers as friends, we find it helps to let the conversation flow and it’s much more supportive in actually helping with the issues.”

Another volunteer said: “I volunteer as I have just retired and wanted to keep myself active, both my mind and my body. I have always wanted to put something back into the community and I feel it’s a great way to meet new people. I do two hours each week in the sitting in service, I sit with the cared for person so the carer can have some quality time to themselves. I have met several new people throughout the process and I really feel that I support the carer well. The volunteering I do has helped me to continue using my listening skills and time keeping.”

Natalie said: “It’s fantastic to hear our volunteers say they really enjoy the work they do supporting others and the benefit from great relationships they develop with other volunteers and carers.”

To find out about how you could volunteer for Rochdale Carers Hub, contact Natalie Paintin at volunteer@rochdalecarers.co.uk or call 03450 138 208.