VOLUNTEER BLOG: Ariane on life at Rathmore House

I have been volunteering at Rathmore House care home in Camden over the past 10 months. This has been part of my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and I’ve found the experience to be fulfilling, fun and touching.

Two of my grandparents were affected by dementia, which led me to choose to volunteer at Rathmore. I have found it enlightening to learn more about people living with dementia and this has inspired me to do further research into the medical causes of the condition as an extension of my Chemistry and Biology A levels.

Above all, my visits to the care home provide me with a complete change from my usual activities. It’s given me a new perspective on life seen through the eyes of people who have lived far more of it than I have. It has been fun and interesting to hear about their lives, jobs (from ballet dancing to teaching!) and relationships.

Ariane, care home Volunteer, C&C

Volunteering is a great way to both support residents in a variety of different ways and expand your own skills. C&C and Aster run successful volunteering programmes, attracting both residents and those seeking to improve their skills and experience in other ways. For more information on C&C’s volunteering programme please visit www.ccht.org.uk/for-residents/get-involved/volunteering. To see a wide range of volunteering opportunities and to sign up please visit Aster’s impact hub aster.goodsted.com/pre-signup.