During Volunteers Week, one of the people who helps to make our Carers Café such a special place to be, volunteer Clare Henderson Roe, tells us why she gives up her time each week to help Crossroads Care
What made you start volunteering for Crossroads Care?
For many years I’ve been involved with Hampton Hill Theatre, where the Carers Café is held, acting in and directing shows. I ended up duty managing the theatre for many months while the Carers Café was on. When the staffing situation changed at the theatre, I still wanted to help out at the cafe because I love how it really supports carers and the people they look after, as well as former carers.
Some of the people that come along might not have been out for the whole week, and even if they have, they may not have really spoken to anyone. Volunteering at the cafe is all about starting conversations and listening to people.
What is it that makes you come back to the Carers Café every week?
There’s just something about the cafe. It’s very positive and there’s a great atmosphere. Crossroads is brilliant at making sure we have lots of relevant information here for carers, but they can learn from each other too. Someone might have found a group that is particularly good for people living with dementia, like a gardening group or healthcare of some sort. Carers can share things and learn from each other. I certainly learn things every week. And the exercise classes, such as chair yoga, are fabulous for all abilities. I always take part!
What’s your favourite thing about working at the café?
The sociability of it all is lovely. I mean look around at how animated everyone is! I love getting to know all the people here. It’s such a special place.
What’s qualities do volunteers need?
You need to have understanding and a willingness to chat with people and find out a bit about them. You need to be observant too – in case someone is feeling down or unwell.
Do you have any special training?
Volunteers receive lots of excellent training from Crossroads Care including first aid, but I’m also a nurse, with care of the elderly being my passion. I trained at Charing Cross Hospital and worked there throughout the 1980s, then I went to work at a wonderful care home in Chiswick, St Mary’s Convent and Nursing Home. After that I became an inspector for the CQC for 18 years, and now I’m working as a nurse once again.
Why did you decide to become a nurse?
I was born with a hare lip and cleft palate and during my childhood, I had surgery and speech therapy, so I was around medical things quite a lot. When I was in hospital, aged 15, having surgery to tidy up my nose and lip, there was an elderly lady who had dropped a boiling kettle and her hands were so badly burned that she couldn’t feed herself. I could see how busy the staff were and I said, ‘can I help?’ I got to know the lady and helping her made me feel content.
I decided to become a nurse because caring for people really captured me, helping people to improve their lives. My favourite wards were the ones that had older people on them.’
Our Carers Café runs every Thursday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Hampton Hill Theatre (Playhouse), 90 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NY. If you are a carer and would like to find out more about this service, please email info@crossroadscarerk.org.uk
