Volunteer Sandy: ‘We try to make life a little easier’

THERE ARE people all over the borough who regularly step up to help others.

To find out why they love to contribute, Wokingham.Today contacted Wokingham Volunteer Centre.

They directed us to super volunteers who give their time.

Sandy Godfrey has been a volunteer driver with the charity’s Community Transport Scheme for nine years.

She said: “I regularly take older people to medical appointments.

“We try to make life a little bit easier for people, and I get great satisfaction knowing that

I’m able to help our clients live full lives.

“Many of them have lived in the borough for 40 or 50 years, and have amazing stories to tell.

“I learn so much about what they used to do, about their families, and the borough’s history.”

The transport scheme serves people who find it difficult to get to a hospital, or GP appointment by bus or taxi.

“My mum used to volunteer in this way, and now she is one of the people who can benefit from the service.

“I started volunteering when I was made redundant, and it was the best decision I made.

“I can really see how much difference it makes to people, and I really enjoy it.

“Wokingham Volunteer

Centre is amazing to work with.

“They give me flexibility, which helps me fit my volunteering around the rest of my life.”

Ms Godfrey also volunteers with the Brownies.

“It’s such good fun,” she said.

“I started when my daughter joined 10 years ago.

“The girls join us at seven years old, and leave when they are 10, and it’s so rewarding to see them grow and change.

“We’re able to give them opportunities to meet different people, learn new skills, and to try activities they wouldn’t otherwise have had the chance to explore.

“We volunteers have a great time too – but there’s a great need for more people to join us.”

■ For information, visit: www. wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk