Christa's story

When Christa first came across Independent Age’s volunteering service, whilst scrolling through Facebook, she thought it sounded like something she would find helpful, having recently retired, but she had no idea of the positive impact it would have on her life. More than two years on, Christa, 50, from Gateshead, says volunteering with Independent Age has contributed to her being able to find a new purpose in life.

“I worked my whole life and that was the only thing I knew,” Christa said. “I was made redundant and decided to take early retirement at the age of 48. I soon got bored as all my friends were still working and the jobs I had been putting off for when I did eventually retire were soon completed. I was starting to feel unproductive and got bored very easily. I was scrolling through Facebook on one lazy Sunday when I came across a post from Independent Age asking for volunteers and I’ve not looked back since.

When I first saw the post asking for volunteers, I knew it was something I wanted to get involved with straight away. I was missing the social buzz of working and having a structure to my day and wanted to make good use of the skills and expertise I had developed over my working career, I wanted to recapture being able to have a regular commitment.

I had experience in occupational therapy having worked in a elderly ward for those with dementia so knew it would be something I could do. Independent Age have been so supportive over the last three years. From the moment I completed the sign up form to where I am today, they have been nothing but amazing.

I completed my safeguarding training locally and was able to meet with other volunteers who were on the same journey as me. Soon after, I was matched with Denis in January 2019. I was absolutely delighted to be matched with Denis. Denis had specifically asked for a female volunteer and my first thought was how would Denis react to someone who had been in a same sex marriage as I had a misconception of people in later life maybe not agreeing with something like that.

To my delight, Denis didn’t care one iota and was just grateful to have some form of company. I was so excited to meet with Denis and the first thing that grabbed me was his great sense of humor. I thought I could talk but Denis gave me a run for my money and we’ve continued to grow our relationship since then.

Prior to meeting Denis, he had been in hospital following a fall and he had been given a volunteer from the Red Cross. Denis had started to form a bond with the volunteer but was unaware that it was only for six months.

He was so upset, he thought it was a long term friendship he was developing and unfortunately it had to stop. He was a bit apprehensive when he was told he would be getting a volunteer from Independent Age as he again thought it was only a short term thing.

Two and a bit years on, I can honestly say it would be odd for Denis not to be in my life on a weekly basis. He is an absolute gentleman and would always check to see I got home safely after our visits.

For many people, it seems as though volunteering only benefits the person receiving the service, but having Denis in my life has been amazing. He is full of character and I just cant imagine my life without him in it.

It really is the best thing to happen to both of us. Denis doesn’t have anybody in his life and I feel privileged to be part of it. His best friend died in 2018 and I hope I have been a good replacement.