The gift of giving
When I started out in self employment, I updated my CV as I knew that I would need this for the pharmaceutical consulting that I set out to do.
I sent it across to my dad for a second opinion, and when he got back to me he was impressed… I don't think he realised all that I have achieved in my career so far. Anyway, he did mention to me that something was missing… and when I quizzed him on it, he felt that my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award should have been on there!
For those of you that aren't aware of it, the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) scheme is national programme to support young people’s development, introduced by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and was first piloted in 1956. In it's current format, young people aged 14 to 24 can participate and the programme covers four areas - Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition (plus a Residential trip for Gold). Hundreds of thousands of people take part, and since it's inception 6 million have benefited from the DoE experience.
It was no mean feat getting through the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. During my time Volunteering, I helped at a nearby Care Home - chatting with the residents, joining them in games of bingo and even doing their shopping for them at the supermarket. I also volunteered at the church creche for a full year… most Sunday's I would be there to set up the room, then I would spend the duration of the service keeping the wee ones occupied before then tidying everything away at the end. And I loved it.
As an aside, I had a look through my DoE diaries and the assessors for each area of the programme had to write a report - there are a few mentions of my keen sense of humour!! I sometimes feel nowadays that I don't laugh as much as I used to - my younger self used to laugh constantly! The assessor from the church creche writes, “Sarah is a very intelligent, caring, dependable, conscientious young girl.” - what praise! Grateful to have these mementos to look back on.
Despite the good start, I didn't keep up with my volunteering into adulthood. University life was very busy, even more so when my mum passed away (I was just 19 years old) leaving me a house to look after as well as exams to study for… and then before you know it, I was busy with other things, like two little children to care for!
That is until now. For a few months now I have been volunteering at the local hospice. My mum spent her last days at a hospice in Aberdeen, and it's nice to be able to give something back. Every Wednesday morning I spend a few hours in their Living Well Hub with the outpatient visitors. And I love it.
I have been sharing my knowledge on mindfulness, and each week I do a guided meditation. The feedback is always lovely, which makes me light up inside.
What prompted me to pursue giving back was Jennifer Kempson, also known as Mamafurfur. Giving is one of Jen's values, and after a hugely insightful call with her - I decided that I too could do more. I've since increased the amount of money I donate each month to charity, and I now also give my time.
I hear from my good friend Ailsa that volunteering is a prerequisite for teens in Australia (she emigrated to Australia from Scotland a number of years ago). Isn't that amazing! I also see more businesses getting involved in volunteering as a team building exercise, and the company I consult for just now allows their colleagues to take time out to volunteer.
I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on giving… you can hit me up in the comments below and let me know.
