Volunteer Joel visits 96-year-old client Leonard and his story is testament to the positive impact of volunteering – both on the client and the volunteer.

Volunteer Joel visits 96-year-old client Leonard and his story is testament to the positive impact of volunteering – both on the client and the volunteer.

Leonard is Cardiff (Grangetown specifically) born and bred and very proud of his heritage. His time serving in the Royal Army Service Corps towards the end of World War 2 is particularly important to him. Leonard’s brother Ronald served in Egypt with the Royal Air Force in the early 1950s and their father had served in the Royal Garrison Artillery during World War 1.

The two brothers were just 22 and 13 when their mum passed away. They never married, always describing themselves as ‘single and happy’. The brothers shared an incredibly strong bond as well as a home for many years until Ronald sadly passed away in 2021.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the brothers were regularly visited by volunteer Nikki, who shopped for them and, later, also helped them in their little garden which they absolutely loved. At the time, Nikki described how she ‘looked out’ for the brothers. ‘It was the perfect volunteering match. We have so much in common – our love of gardening, being involved in the armed forces, sport, travelling and our sense of humour. We have created a wonderful bond. I feel privileged to be part of their lives’.

With Ronald’s passing, Leonard felt increasingly lonely and isolated. Although Nikki was still shopping for Leonard, it was company, simply chatting over a cuppa that he really missed. And this is where volunteer Joel stepped in.

Joel, 52, an IT Project Manager, now visits Leonard, as part of our Community Support programme, providing companionship, conversation, friendship and practical support.

Of Brazilian heritage, Joel describes himself as ‘just an ordinary person’ whose mother is a great source of advice. She reminded him that everything we do in life will be seen by others as an example and for him to ask himself, before making any important decision, what kind of example that action will set. An example to avoid or one for others to follow. ‘If an example to avoid then we shouldn’t do it’ explains Joel.

When asked what made him decide to become a volunteer with Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale, Joel explains simply ‘ Because Age Connects cares about elderly people’. He also describes what a positive experience volunteering is: ‘Leonard is an amazing person, he follows the news and is able to talk about any subject. Sometimes I want to shout to the world: “Please pay more attention to our elderly people, they have so many things to teach us. They have already faced a lot of the challenges we are facing now, they can teach us how to cope”.

‘It has been an amazing experience. When we’re willing to donate a little bit of ourselves to our likeman, we end up earning much more than we donated. This is something magical. It’s very gratifying to be a volunteer for you’.

For Leonard, Nikki and Joel are a vital part of his life: ‘I’m so grateful. They provide incredible support and have become great friends. Thank you Age Connects and your wonderful volunteers’.