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"It makes me happy to spend my time volunteering."
Dave has been volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service for over six years in a range of roles. Today, Dave supports Memory Lane Wales, a dementia support service working with members of the Newport community who are living with different stages of dementia.
As a Community Transport volunteer for the service, Dave is responsible for transporting clients and carers to the club where they receive vital support that helps them to live healthy and happy lives.
"After retiring I had more time on my hands and had the desire to help others. I spoke to my wife, who has now unfortunately passed, about it and decided to take up volunteering. It’s been a great experience and I’m so glad I decided to do it."
As a Community Transport volunteer, Dave plays a crucial role in getting clients to reconnect with their community. Not only does he provide them with safe and comfortable journeys but he has a key part in ensuring they remain socially connected and able to have confidence in leaving their homes.
Every Monday, Thursday and Friday, Dave transports people living with dementia and their carers to the club so they can access vital support and socialise with others. Some of those who rely on the transport service are extremely isolated and without Dave transporting them to the dementia club each week, would not leave the house.
Dave is highly appreciated by clients and carers, who all agree that he is a remarkable volunteer and is known for being compassionate, caring and always willing to lend a hand.
"It makes me happy to spend my time volunteering. It’s enough to know that I might help make others happy, but everyone is always so appreciative and kind, it makes it even more worthwhile.
"You can make such a difference, but also, I guarantee it will make you feel great too."
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