Got a bit of spare time on your hands? Want a new hobby? Want to get more out of life by putting something back in? Well… have you thought about volunteering?
Rebecca Wilson, assistant alumni project officer at The Open University, has been volunteering at her local hospital radio station for nine years now and says she wouldn’t be without the social aspect and the “feel good factor” it brings.
She told Platform: “I would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone who has a spare few hours every week. There are many charities and organisations that would not exist without the help of volunteers.
“I first decided that I wanted a hobby that I could do in the evenings and I looked around at the various options. Lots of local charities had volunteering opportunities including administration work in charity offices, citizens advice volunteers and hospice at home volunteers who visit cancer patients.
“With trepidation I contacted my local hospital volunteering department and much to my delight I was welcomed with open arms. I was told there were lots of different opportunities - visiting and feeding patients, reception work in the main hospital as well as the cancer unit - but I decided that hospital radio was the best one for me.”
After her initial training she was let loose on the mixing desk and beforeshe knew it she had her own show called ‘Music from the Movies’. The show lasted for an hour and she would go around the ward before the show, visiting patients to get requests.
She added: “Once I was brave enough I then got more involved by attending outside broadcasts at local fetes, carnivals and the odd store opening.”
Now Rebecca does a 90-minute show every Thursday evening. “It’s great fun,” she says. “I have met some wonderful people who all share the same interests and at the same time we are providing entertainment to people who are unfortunate enough to be in hospital. I dedicate one evening per week and also attend a couple of outside broadcasts during the year, which are usually on a Saturday daytime.”
So, what made Rebecca volunteer her time and would she recommend it to others?
“I wanted to do something in my spare time which was worthwhile as well as enjoyable. Yes, I would recommend it for the social aspect, it is a good way to meet people and make friends. Also, it has a nice feel good factor.”
