Peer Support Bucks Volunteer Claire shares her experience:

“I have been volunteering at Peer Support Bucks for over a year now and I absolutely love it! I was in the midst of a career break due to a period of ill-health and felt I wanted to fill my time constructively, when luckily I found Bucks Mind and Peer Support Bucks. At first I was rather nervous meeting the group members, but I was quickly made to feel accepted and at home. Everyone was very welcoming and seemed pleased to have a new volunteer at the group.

“The group has really helped me broaden my horizons; I’ve loved getting to know everyone and I gain personal satisfaction from having meaningful conversations with a range of people beyond my usual network of family/friends. Plus it’s always nice to feel helpful!

“The training and support provided by Bucks Mind is great. I have regular informal discussions with my Coordinator about how the group is operating and there is always an opportunity to voice any concerns I might have.

“I feel that I have learnt lots, grown in confidence and gained useful work experience for my future. I also feel pleased that I’m role-modelling to my teenage children ‘making a contribution to our community’ – something which I think is really important, especially now when so many people are struggling.  Committing to weekly volunteering has also helped provide some of the structure I needed for my week.

“I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering at Peer Support Bucks!”