This is a case study written by Sarah McCarthy, one of our volunteers. Sarah joined L4A to volunteer when she was a student and has since undertaken a wide variety of placements and is now returning to university to study medicine.
Upon hearing about L4A at a careers’ fair at Leicester University, I knew I wanted to get involved. It has been extremely rewarding helping older people to rediscover or take up new hobbies as it is clear to see the difference it makes to their lives and general wellbeing.
At an art group, I’ve seen how residents’ skills have developed, along with their confidence and self belief. This has been particularly inspiring as they’ve got an art exhibition coming up where their work will be on display. (More information about this is available here).
For over a year, I also visited a lady on a one-to-one basis in her own home. This was through L4A’s innovative domiciliary learning service. Together, we put her old photos into an album, which stimulated her to reminisce and share her memories with me – it was wonderful to see the pleasure that this brought her. Initially, she was quite shy, but over time her confidence grew, and often she would suggest ideas for activities herself.
I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with L4A over the past 3 years. I believe it has helped me to gain a place at medical school, where I reflected on my experiences at interview. I will continue to volunteer with L4A until my new course starts in September.