Ursula has been volunteering with us at Pickering for more than two years now. She had previously been giving her time to a community kitchen locally that focused on mental health.
“I have always volunteered and am generally drawn to a role that involves talking to people,” Ursula explains. “At the kitchen, I found I was helping more with clearing the tables and washing-up, rather than chatting. Somebody there mentioned Pickering, so I popped along to find out more. I’m so glad I did that, as I absolutely love volunteering here.”
Having spent some time living in Spain previously, Ursula and her husband enjoy trips away, so she volunteers every other Wednesday, giving them time to do that, as well as spending time with their family.
“Pickering feels just like coming home,” says Ursula. “There’s such a lovely cosy and warm atmosphere here and, as volunteers, we all pull together with the same mindset. I enjoy my days here and the support we provide is just so important. I make sure I tell everyone I meet about Pickering.”
She continues: “Coming here gives visitors a bit of normality for a while; it’s their safe place. Even when somebody is out ‘the other side’ of treatment, sometimes it’s then they need support, as they can feel a bit lost and unsure what happens next.”
“At Pickering, we talk about anything and everything – but sometimes visitors don’t feel like talking and that’s fine. Just to come here and sit quietly in their own space can make a real difference.”