A listening ear

A Discovery support worker has been volunteering as an NHS Volunteer Responder. Amy Stephenson who supports people at Springview in Yeovil has put herself forward to help others.

This involves phoning people who are having a tough time because of the pandemic and providing a listening ear to alleviate loneliness. Amy volunteers in addition to working full time.

Amy said, “I naturally like helping others, and being a Volunteer Responder has given me an enormous sense of pride, knowing that total strangers can connect with me when times are tough. My role is as a ‘Check and Chat’ responder as I like talking to people. I can be on duty as often or as little as I like, so sometimes I give an hour a week and sometimes a few hours or more.

I’ve been lucky enough to have had two alerts, the first was in June and the latest was a couple of weeks ago. On both occasions I really felt that I was helping someone by getting them through their day and helping them out of a dark place.

I’ve learnt that there’s a lot more kindness around than we often think, and also that there are a lot of people who need help that you wouldn’t expect.”

Well done Amy for showing how much you care. As a team we are characterised by how much we care, and many people are living better lives as a result of our efforts.