The ladies at Cygnet St Teilo House had expressed a wish to become more involved in volunteering in the local community. With the support of the hospital’s occupational therapy team they went onto a volunteering website which advertises volunteering positions. There were lots of opportunities in the local area, however the ladies felt they had a lot to offer a local food bank and community café.
“It makes us feel good that we can be part of the community.”Service User, Cygnet St Teilo House
The community café is based in a church hall in Argoed. The ladies have been going there every week on a Wednesday morning to work with other volunteers. Many people visit there from the local community as well as those passing through walking on the popular Taff Trail.
The volunteers there are very friendly and welcoming. The ladies from Cygnet St Teilo House help by clearing tables, washing dishes and talking to the people who access the café. The café suggested that the ladies gain Food Hygiene certificates so that they are able to help with food preparation and serving. They have begun working on this and hope to complete the certificates in the next month.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to put on our CVs as well as develop our confidence in meeting new people and a taste of the working environment.”Service User, Cygnet St Teilo House
The ladies have also been volunteering at a food bank near the hospital every Tuesday morning. They meet and greet people as they arrive and then pack food parcels ready for people to take away. They also make teas and coffees and chat to people whilst they are waiting for their food parcels.
On a recent visit to Cygnet St Teilo House, Expert by Experience Dwayne Smith and Raf Hamaizia, our Expert by Experience Lead, were very impressed with how the ladies at Cygnet St Teilo House had embraced these volunteering opportunities. Raf said, “We came across an amazing example of how a service can open its doors and engage with the local community. For us, this wasn’t just about making teas and coffees, but about making friends and building relationships. Connectedness and inclusion are key factors in recovery.”