How volunteering helps students: Jessica & Kyamille’s time at Yates Court
Jessica Harris and Kyamile Sami are two students from Heart of Worcester College who have volunteered at our Yates Court Retirement Scheme in Evesham. In this blog post we look at how volunteering helps students like Jessica and Kyamile in all different aspects of their lives.
Where did you first hear about this volunteering opportunity and how did you apply?
Kyamile: I was informed of this opportunity by my college. Yates Court was recommended to me – they have a lot of students who volunteer there so my teacher knew it was a great place to go.
Jessica: I have known Yates Court for a long time, because my great grandad lived at the scheme about six or seven years ago.
What is your role?
Kyamile: My volunteer role is to help in the social club – providing support to residents and visitors from the local community who come in to use the day care facilities. A typical day consists of serving drinks, helping with activities, and interacting with others.
Jessica: My role is based in the social club and is very varied – I help with everything I can from giving out teas and coffees and assisting with activities, to having a chat with the older people.
How do you find volunteering at Yates Court?
Kyamile: I had never worked with older people before, so I thought it would be interesting for me to go and try something new. When I initially accepted the role, I was not sure if I was going to enjoy it, but my first day was amazing and I have loved coming in to volunteer ever since.
Jessica: I live with my grandparents and spent my weekends with them growing up. Apart from adapting to communicate with people who have hearing or visual impairments, I find it no different from working with anyone else. I think that older people have had so many different experiences that it makes working with them more interesting.
Kyamile: What I enjoy the most are the different activities we have every day in the social club – we have singers coming in, different craft activities and games, and everything we do is so much fun. I also enjoy the people I work with. The staff and other volunteers are lovely, they treat you as part of the family and are just amazing people. I enjoy working with them so much!
Jessica: The most enjoyable thing for me is the people. Everyone is so lovely and have their own stories to tell, I find this fascinating. It’s like a little family for me, it has been a privilege to have met and worked with these amazing people – this has been one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had.
Have you learnt anything new?
Kyamile: I have learnt a lot. The skill that I have developed that most is my communication skills – I have become more confident with talking to people. This has helped me not only at Yates Court but in everything I do, such as at college and work. I also learn a lot from the people I meet – everyone gives me advice and teaches me different things.
Jessica: They are so many skills I have gained whilst being a volunteer, from communication and leadership skills, to teamwork and organisational skills, plus much more! I have also become more compassionate, caring and empathetic – It’s really developed me as a person.
What are your future plans?
Kyamile: I would like to go to university to study Optometry and become and Optometrist. I’ve learnt how to work with people at Yates Court – how to communicate with them and care for them, this experience will come in useful in a future career as an Optometrist as interaction and care are a vital part of the role.
Jessica: When I finish my studies I am hoping to become a midwife. This experience will help as I have developed many transferable skills at Yates Court, which I can take with me anywhere I go in life.
What has been your most memorable moment?
Kyamile: My most memorable moment was when I faced my fears and had a snake around my neck. We had an entertainer come into the scheme, and he brought many different animals with him such as owls, spiders, rabbits and snakes. I have a phobia of snakes and at first, I couldn’t look at them, but after watching everyone put them around their necks I wanted to give it go – so I faced my fear and did it! I even had my photo taken.
Jessica: It’s hard to put my finger on any one moment but being a part of the activities is probably the best part of the role. I’ve loved being able to talk with the residents and people from the community who use the day care facilities, as well as experiencing everything from singers and pantomimes to dragon dancing – the whole lot has been memorable for me!
Any advice for other students who are considering volunteering for ExtraCare?
Kyamile: Be confident and just be yourself. I would recommend Yates Court to any student who is thinking of volunteering – it is the right place to learn and have fun, being here will make you happier in life.
Jessica: Do it. The people you will meet are the best people you will ever meet! Everyone is lovely – we are all a bit crazy but it we wouldn’t be the same if we weren’t. It’s worth it, and you’ll carry this experience around for the rest of your life.
If you would like to get involved and volunteer at one of our ExtraCare locations, email volunteering@extracare.org.uk!
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