Learning and sharing new skills with Shula

Shula has been volunteering with Link Age Southwark for over 6 months now. She is currently out of work, with experience working as a carer before. She began as a befriender where she shares stories over a cup of tea each week with one of our older friends. Shula has embraced the role of volunteer, putting herself forward in supporting our community events, “I’ve learnt new skills, such as patience.”  

The charity started a new group, Wellbeing Wednesday offering arts and crafts, followed by chair-based exercise. Shula put herself forward to support this group as a volunteer. She has enjoyed “encouraging people to contribute and participate in the artwork.” A creative herself, Shula has worked in music therapy and healing workshops. At the group she has been able to share her own creativity, "I brought my guitar to a session and sang for the group, they all loved it!" 

The role has been adapted to suit her skills, and the experience has meant Shula can “consider future job prospects, as volunteering has inspired me to continue to work with older people”.