YOUR VOLUNTEER

Name: Denise Brown.

Which organisation are you involved with?:

The Whitaker in Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall.

How did you become a volunteer?:

I came into volunteering from a high-flying job as part of a clinical specialist team. I was a social worker; I had to assess complex cases.

Five years ago, in 2012, I was diagnosed with cancer. I was given two years to live. I had to leave my job, suddenly I had to battle the illness, I lost some friends and gained others, and in retiring suddenly from work I felt I had lost my identity.

I was determined to fight the illness. I was inspired by The Sanctuary of Healing in Langho, and from going there to help my recovery from chemotherapy, I started to devise my own recovery plan.

I identified volunteering as a way for me to help myself heal.

What do you like about doing this?:

I knew of The Whitaker through word of mouth and as soon as I went there I knew I wanted to be a volunteer there.

My role at The Whitaker really suits me. They really embrace my ethos. Yes it can be chaotic and unstructured at times, but it can also be healing, inspiring, uplifting, stimulating, creative and very entertaining.

I very much have had to carve out a role for myself, which I have done and feel very much part of the team. I feel valued, accepted and I am very grateful for this and being able to redevelop my identity again and to contribute in a positive way my knowledge and skills.

How has volunteering helped you?:

Volunteering has led me to develop and progress further my skills in clowning, face painting, event management, craft/ educational activities for children, and just whatever needs doing at times!

I have also formed friendships and positive networks, which has now inspired me to progress myself as a self-taught artist.

All of this has added to my wellbeing, keeping myself well and healing, which I feel that I now share with those around me. My GP has said she finds me inspirational.

I firmly believe that I have been able to literally survive with my volunteerrole at The Whitaker. It has played a huge role in the process of my recovery bearing the odds I was given five years ago.

Volunteering in Rossendale is an initiative to encourage, support and celebrate volunteers in Rossendale organised by Rossendale Borough Council, REAL, Rossendale Citizens Advice, BPRCVS, Lancashire Wellbeing Service, and Lancashire Adult Learning. The Whitaker Whitaker Park, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 6RE www.thewhitaker.org To find out more about volunteering in the area, call 01282 433740 or visit the following website, www.bprcvs.co.uk