Lily and Doreen

Lily, a mental health worker has been an incredible advocate for the charity. At last year’s Annual General Meeting, Lily was awarded Star Volunteer. She discusses her journey as a befriender to Doreen, 70 years her senior who is living with dementia.  

Doreen is largely housebound, so Lily brings photos of the local area to show how East Dulwich has changed. 

Doreen has lived in the area all her life, ‘she is a pillar of Dulwich’ says Lily. When the two meet they discuss Doreen’s life and experiences, wartime, her favourite job in a shoe shop and weekly visits to the cinema. ‘She still remembers seeing Gone with the Wind in 1940!’ These are all fascinating stories for Lily, who was born in 1999. 

Doreen turns 96 in November and doesn't have many people left, with daughter Jackie living above providing most of the care. ‘After Lily has been to see Mum, she is always really chatty and asks lots of questions. I can see that having a befriender has really helped Mum feel happier, it lifts her mood.’ 

For Lily, she ‘noticed a shift in how Doreen engages, she is present in the conversations and remembers stories I tell her. I sent flowers, a postcard from my holiday, and made a lavender bag from the lavender in my garden. Doreen thanks me and tells me I don’t need to do these things, but I know it brings her a lot of joy.’  

On volunteering, Lily says ‘it's a pleasure having the chance to give to someone else, everyone should volunteer! In helping someone, there is so much you will take away, I have learnt to be more aware and appreciate every day. Doreen has taught me to reflect on life and be positive. It’s a fun part of my week, that I always look forward to, the highlight of my year.’

Find out how to get involved

If you would like to become a volunteer, like Lily, find out how you can get involved below.