Volunteer reflections elderly project

My name is Mohammed and I have been a volunteer with Hope for Humanity for over 6 months; the work I do is befriending the elderly. I visit Mr Bassi once every week depending on my work load and whether Mr Bassi is free. He is very flexible and appreciates the support and company. Mr Bassi struggles with his health and mobility following his stroke six years ago.

It has been one of the best things I have done. Not only have I gained a friend for life, but it has helped me develop as an individual.  I spend around an hour with Mr Bassi; we just catch up on everything that has gone on during the week, current affairs, family and general chit chat. It is a nice feeling to put smile on someone else’s face just by your presence and talking.

Following a discussion with Mr Bassi, I asked how befriending has helped him:
“I have made a friend and it's given me someone to talk to as I hardly get any visitors and have become isolated with my health and lonely.  Mohammed has given me the confidence to seek help when I need to, for example I have been struggling with my teeth for months and Mohammed arranged an appointment and I managed to get dentures and now I am able to eat solid foods.

I look forward to his visit every week and we have a chat about the week and it's really nice to have someone just to ask how I have been”.

So, if you want a friend, want to put a smile on someone’s face and develop as an individual, then I would definitely recommend befriending the elderly.