Volunteers week: a thank you to all our amazing volunteers

This week we pay tribute to all the volunteers who have donated their time to help over 55s live independently at home. 

Revival have support services across Staffordshire and Derbyshire that helps people to live happier at home for longer.

We currently have services based in Royal Stoke Hospital helping to discharge patients home quickly by providing expert solutions like food parcels, key safes and home fall assessments. As well as Safe and Well checks which help vulnerable people in the community.

Alongside that we have a Derbyshire-based service helping to support people in the community to live independently. Helping by providing emotional, practical, and financial support to bring homes to life.

Running for over eight years, Revivals services and customers have been supported by various volunteers helping to make a difference.

This volunteers week Head of Wellbeing and Support, Julie Russell pays tribute to those people and says they would’ve been lost without their help.

“Over the years our services have changed and developed but we have always had the support of volunteers", said Julie. 

“Whether that’s medical students on placements or people volunteering to talk to lonely people in their homes or on the phone who just need a chat.

“Their support has been vital and has ensured we can support people living in and around Staffordshire to live independently at home.

“Over the last eight years we’ve had 15 volunteers, who I’d estimate have donated 10,920 hours of their time.”

Like volunteer Carol who previously supported lonely people who she says just needed a non-judgemental ear.

(Pictured: Revival volunteer Carol)

“Volunteering for Revival was such a rewarding experience”, said Carol.

“I would go into lonely people’s homes or call to lend and ear. In some cases, I’d be the only person they’d spoken to all week!

“Sometimes all people need is a non-judgemental ear and a simple ten-minute conversation makes the world of difference to them.

“Volunteering has helped me too. It’s gotten me out of the house and given me something to look forward to. I’ve learnt so much about myself as customers have shared their wisdom and life experience along the way.”

Find out how Revival can help you to live independently at home here