Jean’s Sightline Story

Jean’s
Sightline Story

I started volunteering at Sightline in June this year after completing the online training. I found it extremely useful, and it gave me confidence when starting my befriending calls.

I chose to volunteer having seen an advert in my place of work, and I had been looking to take on something for me, whereby I could make a difference to someone else as well hoping I would enjoy the experience too.

My befriending relationship is with a lovely lady in her 90s. She is obviously a very intelligent lady, and we discuss everything from what we like eating, to visits to doctors, past holidays taken and family relationships. Of course, our favourite television or radio programmes are always a feature in our calls too. The relationship is lovely and my befriendee is very talkative with many stories to tell.

I believe the calls I have with my befriendee benefit both her and I. Sometimes I am the only person she has spoken to for a while, especially if she is unable to leave her flat for one reason or another. I think the relationship is a two-way street but gives the service user support and confidence that they may discuss their day, week, appointments or concerns with someone, and that they are not alone.

I work full time and can say hand on heart, volunteering with Sightline has enhanced my daily life and I look forward to the call connecting.

If I cannot speak due to needing to attend an appointment or being on holiday, it isn’t a problem – the Sightline team can reschedule or pause the call until the following week.

I love listening to my befriendee tell me her stories, of which there are many. I cannot just pick one out – they are all highlights really. There are some serious parts to the discussions we have, but it all ends up with a giggle in the end.

I’d encourage anyone to consider volunteering with Sightline, it is very rewarding, and you do look forward to the next call.

The Sightline staff have all been lovely and very supportive. I recently joined their online Volunteer Forum which enabled me to chat to other Sightline volunteers and hear their heart-warming befriending stories too.