Volunteering

It's really nice to know that someone is listening to me and taking me seriously. Other people seem to think that my problems are trivial and aren't worth bothering about, but that is not true. My Advocacy Worker helped me to make my point in such a way that I couldn't be ignored, and now things are starting to improve as a result.

I was out visiting a client yesterday, she comes to both Bishopbriggs & Kirkintilloch groups, she is really struggling but has nothing but praise for you all.

I was glad it was Monday this morning as I’ve got this group on Mondays. I like this wee group.

I like coming here because I know people’s faces and don’t have to worry about saying the right thing.

I much look forward to the outing every month.

Very understanding of my memory issues and love the related activities.

I really enjoyed the group yesterday, it was really interesting with lots of good info.

Even a ten minute chat on the phone made me feel so much better.

I live quite a long distance away from my sister. When she needed to get some more support in place for her dementia, the information about local services and support that you were able to give me was invaluable. I can't thank you enough.

It’s a lovely wee group from the volunteers to the folks who attend.

[Staff] do a great job supporting us in many ways especially emotionally when we are having a bad day.

Before I started [the group], I thought that I could never do this, but as weeks go on, I have found it getting much better

Thank you so much for everything you do. You have no idea how much this means to us.

I come here to be cheered up.

I didn't know that there was anything I could do about my situation, let alone that I had options. I feel so much better knowing that I can turn to Ceartas for information when I need it.

For me, it was meeting other, new people that benefited me most.

It was wonderful to you see again and be with friends, joining in at Bite and Blether. The loneliness was certainly put aside and replaced with love and laughter being amongst everyone.

I felt like I was facing a brick wall until I started receiving support and information from Ceartas. The outcome of that has led to a much better relationship with the rest of the family, and now we are all pulling in the same direction.

Absolutely thrilled with the service. I wish my family all stayed in East Dunbartonshire and could access it!

De Café is essential for families and carers living with dementia alike, it makes both feel not so alone living with dementia.

Just a quick message of thanks to you guys.  You’ve made me feel welcome at a low time in my life.  The lowest I’ve ever faced.  I really appreciate it.

Thanks so much, this is almost a miracle!

What a good job you've done focusing and empowering me so many thanks!

Thanks again, class was really good, lovely people.

He looks forwards to his lunch club and I think his speech and mind benefit from it afterwards having been stimulated.

Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would have done without you and Ceartas. I need to stop talking as I can feel my bottom lip quivering.

I was becoming frustrated and annoyed at not getting what I needed from services, but talking to my Advocacy Worker kept me grounded and stopped me from losing the rag with anyone.

Thank you for all you do for me and my husband.

I can pick up the phone and advocacy support is always there, ready to listen and help me understand things better.

Thank you for your support at the last meeting. It’s great having somebody independent in my corner: not sure what I would have done or where I would be otherwise.

Thanks for discussing things and then sending us some information in the post. We have now started the Power of Attorney process.

Very interesting and good source of information and good company.

The group is educational and I now see things in different ways.

Everyone makes you feel welcome. Staff and volunteers make you feel welcome. They are great.

It’s a safe group to come to and nobody judges you for anything.

After waiting months, you got the ball rolling with a number of things and for that I thank you.

Good confidence builder!

What a team you all are. Thank you to Ceartas. I wish I’d known about you when I cared for my mum. On the way home, [my friend] said she was so happy and felt totally uplifted from her afternoon out.

I enjoy time with friends.

It’s a really tricky role you’ve had in this case but you’ve done so effectively.

Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. It’s appreciated more than you will know.

I look forward to writing every week.

I enjoy volunteering and its really good to get to know everyone.

I am usually apprehensive about contacting organisations in fear of being passed pillar to post. I was delighted when I contacted Ceartas: although I didn’t need advocacy, you talked me through local services that I needed.

[Staff member] helped me so much when I lost my husband, she made me feel like I was needed again, which is exactly what I needed at the time.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for the wonderful experience and the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful cause.

When I call Ceartas everyone is always so kind and helpful. They are all a really good group of people.

There is always someone there at Ceartas for me, no matter who takes the call.

It has been great for her, she has come on so much since starting to come along.