Clare* has been a Volunteer In Partnership Program volunteer since February 2001. She writes: “When I originally became a volunteer it was in part to gain hours as a social service volunteer, a requirement for Douglas College’s Community Social Service Worker program. I was paired with Sarah who lived reasonably close to me.”
“The VIP program has enabled me to develop a greater understanding of what some people suffer with, as well as showing me ways to help an individual deal with their challenges. I think it has also helped me develop a greater sense of compassion and empathy. The ongoing support available, as well as the training sessions at monthly meetings that a volunteer can participate in, has really helped in my understanding and growth.”
“Over the past five years I have seen a large change in my VIP partner / client. When we first began working together she was very isolated, rarely leaving home. For the first while we just playing games or watched videos, eventually going a few blocks to for a coffee. Now she regularly goes out for extended periods, sometimes for more than 5 hours, on her own. He is much more comfortable going to movies, restaurants, the PNE, and other social environments. Although he still struggles with his mental health, and sometimes ends a session early because of feeling bad, he does enjoy a greater quality of life, and I’d like to think that I played some part in that. Being in the VIP program has expanded both my personal horizons and professional understanding of mental illness. I encourage you to try it for a time. I’m certain you will benefit from it, and touch another person positively in the process.”
* Stories are based on actual individuals but names and identifying information have been altered to protect the anonymity of our service users.
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