Volunteering is a wonderful way of making a difference to peoples’ lives
and supporting the Life Project at the same time.
Viv volunteers with the Parent Carer Drop-in session and she says:
How would you describe yourself? I am happily retired and about to move away from Bath. I have been in Bath for 20 years and come from Liverpool originally. I have done a lot of volunteering roles for respite with children.
How long have you been volunteering with the Life Project? I have been volunteering with the Life project for nine months at the Parent Carer Drop-in group. I heard about it via Rachel Hornsby who is the Parent Carer Project Assistant at the group.
What is your role in the Life Project? I help with refreshment – making and serving coffees, teacakes and scones. I also help with the creche and chat with the mums and make sure they are comfortable.
What is your best moment in the Life Project? Listening to these young mum’s speak and appreciating, for the first time, how much they have to fight the system to get the best for their children. I just admire them, and my heart goes out to them hearing their cries for help.
Why would you recommend volunteering with people with learning disabilities? Volunteering to help with this group, enables the Parents Carers to have a bit of time out. It allows them space to join in with Pilates, which they love. Most importantly, it allows them to make friendships, share ideas and to support one another. The leaders, Fiona and Rachel, give so much love and care – going the extra mile – to make the Parent Carers feel special and I really admire the work they do.
Jess volunteers for many of our Life Project’s activities and says: 
How would you describe yourself? I’m Jess, I love the great outdoors, particularly being by the sea (or in it!). I enjoy running and am learning to embrace running in all weathers. My work is really varied, although it mostly involves supporting adults with additional needs and supporting churches to welcome individuals with additional needs as well.
How long have you been volunteering with the Life Project? I think about 4 years?!
What is your role in the Life Project? I started off my volunteering journey at the Life Project with Mini Springs, then a brief pit-stop at the K-Team in Keynsham, and now am normally found at the Springs group on a Monday night. I also get to spend time in a different capacity at the Barn once a week, which is always good fun.
What is your best moment in the Life Project? My favourite moments from the Barn and Springs come from seeing each individual grow in confidence in themselves, and in their faith. It is always a joy to witness. I also love going to watch the Bath Half and support the Life Project runners, that is always a great day!
Why would you recommend volunteering with people with learning disabilities? Something unique about the group of people that we work with is the way in which they build community and friendship. Although they may need extra support to be able to do this, it is like nothing I’ve known in its authenticity and depth. One way to experience this is to get involved and get stuck in.
Duncan is a Trustee for the Life Project, he says:
How would you describe yourself? Outgoing, sociable and positive.
How long have you been volunteering with the Life Project? 3 Years.
What is your role in the Life Project? Trustee.
What is your best moment in the Life Project? Being directly involved in acquiring the home that our LP makers are now living in.
Why would you recommend volunteering with people with learning disabilities? You get back so much more than you give!
Kay volunteers for our day activities and says:
How would you describe yourself? I’m a fairly average granny with a real heart for people with learning difficulties having had a vast amount of experience in this field both personally and professionally.
How long have you been volunteering with the Life Project? To be honest, my introduction to the Life Project was when I joined their support group for carers of children with special needs. This is an amazing group of people and it’s such a relief to get together in person and know you are not alone in your often tumultuous journey! They offer excellent advice and pampering!!!
As time went by and I felt stronger, I heard about the possibility of becoming a volunteer, supporting people attending our day activities, so I swapped over to the other side and I’ve been there for about 2 years. I started off chaperoning on the minibus once a week, quickly moving on to helping out twice a week and attending Springs. This group meets twice a month for worship, prayer and bible teaching which I believe was where the seeds of the entire Project were sown.
What is your role in the Life Project? My role is to support the Life Project staff in supporting the makers. The staff are all inspirational, humble, kind and generous of their time and talents and always put the makers’ interests at the forefront of what they do. They are scrupulous about safety and hygiene matters, which of course is essential (even more so since the start of the pandemic). I have had quite a number of tragedies throughout my life and the Life Project is truly life-giving. Far better than any therapy!!!
What is your best moment in the Life Project? My best moment is in the sharing of news during my twice-weekly sessions together. We can all just be ourselves. We can be tearful, happy, anxious or sad and we can feel safe – staff, volunteers and makers alike. I’ve witnessed many God-given, tender moments when the makers have come forward to support each other when one of them is upset. I’ve also seen many moments when they encourage each other and rejoice in each other’s successes. Oh that the wider world could emulate them!!! I see 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 26 being lived out in full …‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.’ NIV
Why would you recommend volunteering with people with learning disabilities? I think I’ve probably answered most of this question in my previous comments. All I can say is that I look forward to each and every moment I spend with our makers. I have learnt a great deal from them, and they astonish me with their abilities, which far outshine any disability or diagnosis. I have found a new family, new friends and a real sense of purpose. Thank you Life Project!
Tony is a Trustee and the Life Project’s Treasurer and says:
How would you describe yourself? Retired, recently moved to Cambridge to see more of children and grandchildren.
How long have you been volunteering with the Life Project? Around 6 years.
What is your role in the Life Project? I am a Trustee and Treasurer.
What is your best moment in the Life Project? Visiting the Barn and seeing the fantastic creativity of the Makers there.
Why would you recommend volunteering with people with learning disabilities? It is great fun and turns many of the values of our society upside down, giving me a fresh perspective on my life and what is really important to me.
