“The Jubilee Centre lives and thrives on its band of very involved and active volunteers”, chair Sally Wolfenden told marlborough.news.
“We always need more, our volunteer ‘army’ make the Jubilee Centre what it is for all of our members” Sally added, explaining that being a volunteer at The Jubilee Centre could take one (or more) of many different roles. And probably will…!
“There’s a myriad of opportunities to volunteer at the Jubilee and I reckon I’ve probably tried them all!” said Sally, noting that she’s covered many of the varied range of tasks, but making the point that while the members go regularly to the Jubilee Centre, which becomes a very important part of their lives, so for the volunteers as well. And for them, they need to enjoy their times and sessions there, whilst ‘getting something out of what they do’. A volunteering role is unpaid, therefore the benefit must come in a different way, through enjoyment, satisfaction and the feeling that you have ‘made a difference’, enabling the members of the Centre enjoy their valued time.
Even just chatting to the members, whilst probably not regarded as a ‘role’, is so important. The Centre offers different activities by day during the week. Every Wednesday afternoon is now devoted to board games. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays it’s talks, crafting, music, singing and chair-based exercise.
Volunteers walk with individuals to Waitrose, the bank, One Stop, Boots the card shop or Charity shops. Maintaining each member’s independence. That way they can choose their own card for their daughter, a bottle of sherry, strawberries, a skirt for a wedding or bunch of flowers for a neighbour. That’s also part of the Monday, Tuesday and Friday volunteering. Every Thursday it’s lunch club.
And, if qualified, a volunteer could be driving the mini bus, picking up members and taking them home.
And there is the meals on wheels. Cooked in the Centre, but delivered by volunteers to the homes of members who aren’t in that day.
During the last Winter The Jubilee Centre was opened as one of the Marlborough ‘Warm Spaces’, enabling the elderly members to stay warm without facing a large bill for the privilege.
“What I guarantee is that you will get more out of volunteering than you put in. I promise you a sense of achievement, doing something really useful in the Community, make new friends and definitely a warm fuzzy feeling!” promised Sally. “If you’re giving up your time, energy and talents, come and sample some (or all!)of the volunteering opportunities that the Jubilee has to offer. Select something that you really enjoy too. Volunteering works best when the enjoyment is mutual, your time is really appreciated by the members and you go away with a real sense of a job well done. Give it a try!”
To become, or enquire about volunteering at The Jubilee Centre, e-mail: thejubileecentre@aol.com
Or call 01672 513087 on Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays.
‘Love Marlborough Kids Meals’ supported by donation from NFU Mutual
