On 6 February 2026, volunteer Mark visited M. at her home to help with several DIY jobs. M. has limited mobility due to osteoarthritis and had recently lost her partner of more than 52 years. Mark not only completed the tasks quickly and thoroughly, but also offered much-needed kindness and emotional support.
M. said:
“He was excellent. He was fast, eager to help more and supported me in the recent loss of my partner… sympathetic and I valued his kind words. He was thorough, worked well and very pleasant indeed. So reliable and trustworthy. I could have used his help for another hour! Don’t know where people like me would be without all these kind volunteers giving up their valuable time.”
In another visit earlier this year, volunteer Patrick supported A., who experiences social anxiety, by fixing a broken door handle at her home on 25 February 2026. What seemed like a small repair made a huge difference to A’s wellbeing and confidence.
A.said:
“I am so pleased with all the jobs the volunteer did for me. He was enthusiastic, friendly, conscientious and hard working. It has taken a massive amount of anxiety away. I could not afford for anyone to fix these things nor am I able to do them. Now my house is improved, my mind feels improved and that allows me to look after myself better and my son.”
She also praised the wider volunteer team for their clear communication and friendly approach, adding:
“I felt I could trust the volunteer… A big thank you to everyone involved on the team.”
These stories show how simple acts of practical help can reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and help residents feel safer and more supported in their own homes — while volunteers give their time and skills to strengthen the community
About the Community Volunteer Squad
The Community Volunteer Squad links local volunteers with residents who need a bit of extra help, through referrals from local organisations. Volunteers carry out simple, one-off tasks that make a real difference in people’s day-to-day lives. Since the project began, the Squad has completed 307 tasks, contributing a total of 1,161 volunteer hours to the community.
Interested in joining the Community Volunteer Squad? Share your details here and a member of our team will be in touch soon.
