Wanted – Volunteers
We would not be able to carry out all our activities without our wonderful team of volunteers. They have a variety of skills and knowledge and support the men in a range of activities both outdoors and in our equipped barn.
The activities might range from feeding the animals, small woodwork projects, gardening, playing skittles, boules, archery…
Our volunteers receive training in dementia care, first aid and health and safety. They are supported by the staff team and have regular meetings to be involved in planning the activities.
It is a fun environment and the feedback from our volunteers is very positive.
We recently asked our volunteers why they give up their time. Their responses said it all:-
“It gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel useful”
“There is so much enrichment to be gained from listening to older people and their stories”
“I get to meet new people and make new friends. It provides great comradeship and social interaction with people which would otherwise be lacking”
“It means I take some physical exercise, and it provides mental stimulation, whilst at the same time enhancing my retirement by adding structure to my life”
So if you feel you might like to support men to reach their potential, enjoy being outdoors and changing lives you may wish to contact us to find out more.
We are also looking for people to help us with marketing, publicity and fund raising.
If you would like to know more about volunteering please email us at [email protected] or call us on 01963 210789
Our Volunteers
Mike
My name is Mike Dredge, I’m 73 years old, married to the same person for 52 years, and live in Dorchester.
My background is in vehicle engineering and management having started as an apprentice mechanic, back in the last century, and gradually worked my way up to retire in 2015 as Fleet and Engineering Manager for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.
Just before retirement I started volunteering with Future Roots and the Countrymen’s Club at their premises at Whitfield near Dorchester and when that closed I was “persuaded” to volunteer at Rylands Farm. Originally, I only helped out with maintenance, building and farming tasks but recently joined the small team of staff that run the Countrymen UK at the farm.
(According to the farm staff and clients my main interests are drinking tea and eating cake but it’s not true as I like coffee as well.)