Volunteer With Us

By helping to put Bolton Carers Support newsletters in envelopes I have helped other carers have access to a variety of information which will support them. To be part of this, feels good.
Speaking to other carers, whilst volunteering, has helped me immensely. I have had the opportunity to talk about my own personal situation and the difficulties that I am facing. This has helped me to feel less alone and more supported.
I am pleased that I have had the opportunity to volunteer for this charity and make a positive contribution.

I literally stumbled across BCS when the office was on Chorley New Rd. I had just retired to give more time to both my parents who lived into their 90s. I wandered in to see what was on offer and met Bev who gave me such a wealth of information that I was bowled over. Mainly it opened a way to take my mum who was a social butterfly to the end, out to meet people like her and it was free (then). Dad had Parkinson’s etc and didn’t want to risk going out and falling over or needing the toilet etc but was happy for mum to go.
After they passed I wanted to give something back to BCS so I decided to join the management committee. I tried to back up the team by going to most events and being willing to do whatever was needed as well as having input into the management arena.

I wanted to share my heartfelt experience as a volunteer, and I believe it could be a source of inspiration for others looking to make a positive impact.
In my role, I had the privilege of spending time with a gentleman battling Parkinson’s and dementia. Despite his limited mobility, our moments together were filled with joy and connection. I provided companionship while his wife took some well-deserved time for herself, offering a comforting presence, making a cup of tea, playing his favourite tunes, and engaging in speech therapy exercises.
Witnessing the gentleman’s smiles, participation in music, and progress in speech therapy were incredibly rewarding. Our friendship extended beyond our time together, even during his stay in a care home. I continued supporting him through FaceTime, fostering a meaningful connection that endured until his passing during the lockdown. Maintaining contact with the gentleman’s wife, we embarked on a collaborative project – a book documenting the experiences of caregivers during lockdown. It has been a powerful journey, and our shared commitment to making a difference continues.
I invite you to consider joining our team of volunteers. Your dedication can bring comfort, joy, and support to those in need. Together, we can create lasting connections and contribute to the well-being of others.

For me it started with volunteering after my husband started. Bolton Carers Support had been very helpful to us and I wanted to give something back. I was then asked to be a trustee. Something I have always worked hard at. I am now going to do Challenge Caroline to raise money for the charity.

Bolton Carers Support is a charity that helps support people who are caring for family or friends, helping them to stay at home wherever possible. There are many ways of giving your time. For me it began with being part of a group which shared experiences, later published as a fund-raising book, aiming to show what life can be like as a carer or cared for person. For others it may start by sharing a cup of tea with a carer, helping to break the isolation that a caring role can bring. We all have something to share – why not try it?”