Volunteers do make a difference

It was through this heartbreak that the now 58 year-old Dungiven woman began a life-changing and positive journey through volunteering. Helping out with projects at Glenshane Community Development, formerly known as Dungiven Community Resource Centre, Sandra has since devoted herself to two decades of helping others, which has even led her to enjoying tea with the Queen!

"After Derek died I was very bad with my nerves. I didn't go out of the house much and I was very down. Someone suggested to me about helping out at the resource centre and it really started from there." Sandra said.

"I began with a project which involved helping local children who come from less-well off backgrounds. We took them out to places like the Jet Centre and Redcastle. I've also helped out with the Christmas Appeal where we helped gather up presents for children who might not have anything under their tree on Christmas morning. And believe me there were a lot back then."

"Helping other people, especially children at that time, was a great help for me. It took me out of the house and gave me an interest in other things. There's no doubt about how rewarding volunteering was."

These days, due to her health, Sandra who is from Hass Road, works primarily with the elderly for a short time each week. "I can only devote an hour or two a week due to ill health but I love helping out here in Glenshane Community Development with the Luncheon Club. We started it here in Glenshane house 15 years ago and the people who attend just love it."

"Every Monday we collect everyone. We have soup, pudding and tea and a game of bingo. The elderly that come here really appreciate it, it's the social side of things for them too.

"Then once a month we hold the Retirement Club where we have different guests. There's day trips and we recently held an overnight trip to Letterkenny, where we went around the shops and had an evening meal. Not only does these kind of things give a boost to those in the club, but the fact you get to see so many people happy - it gives me a great boost as well."

In 2007 Sandra was awarded to the highest degree for her work when she was chosen to attend a special tea for the Queen and Prince Philip at the University of Ulster in Coleraine.

"It was absolutely amazing to be part of. It was a garden party and the Queen had brought over her own band and her own caterers. We had strawberries and fresh cream. We drank our tea out of china with a stamp of the Queen. I even got to shake hands with Prince Philip. I was chosen to go with three other people from Glenshane House. It was a great honour. I think that would have to be the biggest thing that sticks out for me in my volunteering."

The big-hearted volunteer says that although volunteering is very rewarding it is hard to see the reality of how some people live in your local community.

"It's difficult when you realise that there are children out there who might not be getting anything for Christmas or elderly people that go without dinner or company for a long time," adds Sandra, "But when you've helped in some way to change that, you really feel that you have achieved something."

"I have made a lot of friends through my work at Glenshane House, and so have the people we have helped. You do get very attached to people here."

"What I would say to anyone that has never tried volunteering before is that is well worth a try. I get as much out of volunteering as I give, if not more. I feel like I am helping others and that is a great feeling. People only nee to do a couple of hours a week to make a difference."

If anyone is interested in volunteering please get in touch with the Volunteer Centre at 24d Benevnagh Drive, Limavady, BT49 OAQ Tel 77765438 or email [email protected] The centre has a wide variety of placements on offer and are always delighted to hear from anyone interested in volunteering. Like Sandra, you too can learn new skills, meet new people and go home feeling that you have done something worth while.