National Volunteer Week: hear from the people involved

By Megan Quirk, Team Leader Programs, estara

It’s National Volunteer Week, and in the lead up I spent some time with our volunteers and clients to ask them what volunteering means to them, why they do what they do, and better understand how giving back through volunteering can be rewarding for both volunteers and clients.

Meet estara Volunteer Ros

For the past five years, Ros has been volunteering with estara, supporting many of our clients in a variety of roles, including dog walking, gardening, social visits, shopping and organising. Here’s what Ros had to say about her volunteering and what she gets from giving back.

"Volunteering has truly been a lifeline for me. After retiring from nursing, I felt a loss of purpose, but giving my time to others helped restore my sense of self-worth. I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way, and the experience has given me far more than I expected. I’m grateful to be healthy enough to contribute, and it has made me stronger both mentally and physically."

Thank you Ros for your generous support!

Meet Volunteer Kay

Kay has been volunteering with estara for over 10 years, supporting many of our clients in a variety of roles including social visits, gardening and dog walking (that's Abbey the dog pictured with Kay). I asked Kay why she started volunteering and what has kept her volunteering over the years.

“When I first began volunteering, I was living in an apartment where I couldn’t have a pet or maintain a garden. Volunteering gave me an outlet for the things I really missed and valued. What I value most now is the time I get to spend with clients and their pets and the opportunity to stay active. It’s had a really positive impact on both my mental and physical wellbeing.”

Thank you Kay for the support you give to our clients (and their dogs!).

Meet estara client Tracey

I had a chat to our client Tracey to hear from her perspective on volunteering, and in particular how Kay has helped her with support and connection.

“Over the years I had contact with a range of different workers from estara; nurses, OTs, physios and a support coordinator, and it eventually came up that I was the proud owner of a lovely little dog - Abbey. She is loving, gentle and incredibly affectionate.

One day I received a phone call from estara asking if I would like a volunteer to walk my dog once a week. Abbey was the third dog of this breed I had owned, and I had always walked my dogs daily. Abbey was no exception, until I needed to use a wheelchair full time. She missed her walks, and I missed going with her. That phone call truly felt like a godsend.

I accepted the offer and soon met Kay, an estara volunteer. In the beginning we walked once a week, Kay would take the lead so I didn’t accidentally run over my dog, and I would come along in my powered wheelchair. As we walked, we talked and got to know each other.

Years later, Kay now comes twice a week to walk my dog, and afterwards we sit, chat, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. When Kay arrives, Abbey is usually on my bed, but as soon as she hears her voice, she races down the stairs, full of excitement, ready for her walk.

Abbey absolutely loves Kay and her walks. It gives her back something she truly needs, and she is so happy for it. I also really value the companionship and the time spent together. It has been wonderful to gain such a special friend who visits me twice a week.

Both my dog and I are incredibly grateful to estara for bringing Kay into our lives. She is a truly special person who gives so generously of her time, and I can’t thank her enough for everything she has given us over the years. Having a volunteer can be life-changing, it certainly has been for both me and my dog.”

Thanks Tracey (and Abbey) for sharing your story, Volunteers Ros and Kay, and to all of the estara volunteers donating time and support. We are truly grateful for what you give back.