Janice has been volunteering for Happy at Home Northampton since May 2021. She is one of our valued telephone befriender volunteers. She chats with two of our service users on a regular basis, providing regular conversation for both of them.

What attracted you to volunteering and why Happy at Home?

As a person with additional needs, I want to give what I can to society! I liked this project because it is something I can do from the comfort of my own home I could call flexibly around my life. Telephoning people means that I do not have to rely on transport and support to be in a different environment.

What was the process like?

I found the process of entry to volunteering at Happy at Home free from the usual barriers I have faced. Although I needed some initial help with the written side of the application I was able to have a telephone interview with a member of staff and the whole process went very smoothly, The focus was on the positives what I can do and what do we need to do to enable me to be a volunteer, this makes a great change as often I’ve experienced barriers and assumptions as they “look” at my disability rather than what I can offer in a positive way!

What do you enjoy about your volunteering role?

I enjoy speaking to people and know that I can do this role completely independently! Hopefully, I can offer support and advice to the people I speak to, based on my life experiences. Speaking to people is always a blessing!

What difference has volunteering made to you and what impact has it had on your life?

Giving is one of the 5 ways to well-being and I feel confident and valued as an individual and I know I can give something back to society.

What impact does your volunteering role have on the people you have contact with?

I hope my volunteering will help the people I call every week and if they are encountering problems they have someone to speak to. I can reassure them that they have been listened to.

Finally, would you recommend this volunteering role to other people?

As a person “labelled” as Deafblind with joint issues I would definitely recommend “happy at Home” to other people given that the telephone befriending role you can do from home and use your own equipment. I use a phone that can boost the volume of the call if needed. I have recommended and given details to members of my church fellowship for their consideration to volunteer. It is a great feeling doing something independently to help and support other people!”

If you would like more information on volunteering as a befriender with Happy at Home please contact us at happyathome@voluntaryimpact.org.uk or call us on 07718 651 631.