Mindfulness changes lives

Heather Bollard had lost her confidence about returning to work after taking time off to raise a family and battle cancer, but she found the solution in volunteering with Barnardo’s Cymru. Heather is a volunteer with the charity’s Rural Families Service on Anglesey, teaching parents strategies to help them cope with the challenges of family life, and she says the confidence and experience she gained helped her secure the job she was hoping for. The mum of three from Holyhead now works as an administrator and applications assessor at the Centre for Mindfulness in Bangor but she still makes the time to volunteer for Barnardo’s Cymru. “I help teach the parents Mindfulness which can transform people’s quality of life. I first came across Mindfulness when I was referred to a course by my breast cancer nurse after my diagnosis and it helped me through my illness. It doesn’t change your situation but it helps you learn how to let go of worrying thoughts and come back to the present moment, which helps you to enjoy what is happening in your life now,” she said. Julie Goodrum, the charity’s volunteering and community engagement advisor, said: “Our fantastic volunteers play a huge role in Barnardo’s Cymru. I’m always humbled by their dedication and enthusiasm to make a difference. We’re so grateful to all our volunteers for giving their time, skills and commitment to help us do more for vulnerable children, young people and families in Wales.” Anyone interested in volunteering can either visit www.barnardos.org.uk or telephone 0208 498 7320.