WHY WE volunteer
When you do good for others, they aren’t the only ones to reap the benefits, as these three women have discovered
WORDS KATREEN HARDT
HELPING HAND
Lynne’s classes teach more than just crafting
“OLDER PEOPLE OPEN UP TO ME AS THEY DO MY CRAFT CLASSES”
Retiree Lynne Razavi, 51, from London, is an ex-therapist who offers free crafts classes for the elderly
‘Due to my mother’s declining health – she had kidney problems and chose not to have dialysis – I’ve spent a lot of time over the last 10 years in care homes for the elderly. My mum was a quiet lady and it was often difficult for her to open up. So eight years ago I started offering craft classes to the elderly at her home in Attleborough, Norfolk, as I’ve always been passionate about crafting. I’d use recycled bits and pieces donated by friends – shoe boxes, ribbon, glitter and wrapping paper – and help them make cards and gift boxes. It was an instant success. At first, I gave classes in five homes, but today I only visit two homes, three or four times a month. But around Christmas, I’ll go every week.
“YOU CAN GET THE GRUMPIEST PERSON OUT OF THEIR SHELL”
‘Each class lasts one-and-a-half hours with a short break for tea and biscuits. When Mum was well, she’d join me and we became quite popular – people saw us as family and their faces would light up when we walked into a room. When Mum passed away in 2011, so many who attended my classes came to her wake. It was overwhelming.