Pauline has been volunteering with Pickering for around two years and is on our ‘bank’, which means she fills in when there’s a space and she’s available.
At that time, Pauline was relatively new to the Tunbridge Wells area. She went along to an event that was raising money for Pickering and, having heard about the support we give, got in touch to see if she could volunteer. Then, around the same time, Pauline’s husband received a cancer diagnosis and this encouraged her further to get involved.
“I came along to have a look at Pickering and could see what a nice place it is,” says Pauline. “It’s a cosy and warm space where people can feel relaxed.”
She adds that it can be hard for people to knock on our door that first time.
“Sometimes people have said that they’ve almost come in but have walked away,” says Pauline. “However, once they do step through the door, they might be apprehensive at first but usually go away with a smile on their face.”
Pauline says she also gets something out of volunteering herself.
“It’s a two-way thing and I’ve also made friends with other volunteers,” she adds. “If we’re on a rota together, then we might share lifts. As a relative newcomer to the area, it’s been good to make friends and it’s also lovely to feel part of the local community. I’ve come to realise how important community is in this world and that’s what Pickering offers our visitors – their own special community.”