National Volunteers' Week - Volunteer in the Spotlight - Clare Burlace

Clare joined RBLI just over a month ago, having recently finished working full time at a primary school.

Clare volunteers in RBLI’s nursing home Gavin Astor House befriending the residents and helping RBLI’s Lifestyle and Wellbeing Manager ,Herve Boscher put on activities for the residents  “I enjoy being with elderly people – I help my neighbour and I don’t have any grandparents of my own and I kind of miss having slightly older people around” 

Clare knew about the RBLI village as her grandad lived on the village (she remembers making poppies with her grandad in his flat!) and her grandmother spent some time at Gavin Astor House, but she didn’t know quite how much RBLI did!

“I volunteer on Thursdays and Fridays and help where I am needed, either helping run a designated activity such as a tea party or do an arts and crafts session . The other week I just walked round and had a chat with some of the residents”

“Before I joined RBLI, I felt quite low in myself, but coming here and just talking and being with different people has really helped my mental health and wellbeing.  I look forward to it”

Clare would encourage others to volunteer at RBLI Just do it, even if it is for a couple of hours you will enjoy it!”  “Everyone has been really supportive and helpful. When I started volunteering, I felt like the new girl on the block and it’s a horrible feeling but everybody has been so lovely.”

Herve says “Clare is a gem of a volunteer, she has so much to offer. Although she hasn’t been here very long, she ran the resident’s coffee morning with flair and personality and has already charmed the residents who attended”