At Active, we’re proud to support our employees in giving back to the community by offering paid volunteer leave each year. This Government of Jersey initiative empowers our team members to engage with causes they are passionate about, helping to make a real impact in the lives of others and the community.
We spoke to Adrian Ellis, one of our dedicated Leisure Assistants at Springfield, who has been using his allocated volunteer hours to support Dementia Jersey:
“I chose Dementia Jersey after my Dad passed away in 2021 from Vascular Dementia. They provide invaluable support not only for people living with various forms of dementia but also for their loved ones and caregivers. I couldn’t think of a better cause to support.”
“Dementia Jersey, previously known as the Jersey Alzheimer’s Association, provides a wide range of services including lots of different types of activities for people affected by different forms of dementia, support for people caring for those that have dementia, and raising awareness of dementia in the community.”
“I’ve only done a few weeks of volunteering, but I’ve immensely enjoyed the opportunity to help people. Having experienced Dad’s journey with dementia, I can relate to where the Meeting Place Project attendees are in their life, and it’s good to see Dementia Jersey’s services helping to make their lives as enjoyable as possible. I’ve already decided that I will do some additional volunteering for Dementia Jersey in my own time, when I can.”
“The most rewarding part of volunteering has been seeing the people coming along to the Meeting Place Project having a good, fun time, and even reconnecting with people they hadn’t seen in many years.”
“I hadn’t really interacted with anyone who has dementia since my dad passed away, so was unsure of how I would feel about being around people with dementia again, but it's been fine.”
When asked what advice Adrian would give to anyone on the fence about volunteering:
“I’d say to absolutely go for it! There may well be a particular charity or cause in Jersey that you would like to help, and, from my own experience so far, I’ve got a definite feeling of doing something positive and helping the community. I’d also like to think that Dad would be proud that I’m doing it.”
“I hope sharing my experience of volunteering inspires others to give it a try!”
“I’d like to finish by thanking Steve Hendrie for his support in arranging my volunteering through work, and to Daniel Du Heaume, Susie Kelly, and Helen Toole at Dementia Jersey for giving me the opportunity to help them.”
You can find out more about Dementia Jersey and all that they do here: www.dementia.je
If you’re looking for volunteering opportunities, visit: www.volunteer.je