This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible individuals who give their time to support others and strengthen communities. This spotlight is on a volunteer from Artis Community, an organisation using the transformational power of creativity to improve wellbeing and make a positive difference through the arts. For decades, Artis Community has delivered inclusive, high-quality creative experiences across Rhondda Cynon Taf, helping people of all ages and abilities feel connected, confident and empowered.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a mother of 5, I brought them all up on my own and I’m now a grandmother of 10. I was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2017 and ended up having to give up work. I started with Art is Community as a participant and it really, really helped me. I love arts and crafts and meeting people. I love a bit of company. 

How did you get involved?

When activities were going on, I found myself just helping out. I like to draw, paint and do different activities and I enjoyed helping out. I was approached and asked if I wanted to volunteer, as I was there so much. That was about 5 or 6 years ago now and I love it! 

What difference has volunteering made to you? 

Volunteering gives me a reason to get out. When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I became really depressed and it’s helped me feel useful again. My children are all grown up now and I can’t physically look after my grandchildren anymore, so having something meaningful to be part of has made a big difference. I’m now a Volunteer Coordinator at Artis Community. I was approached about the role because I understand what volunteers want from volunteering and how important that support can be. It’s lovely knowing volunteers feel comfortable coming to sit and talk to me if they’re having a problem. A lot of the younger volunteers are unpaid carers, so it’s nice for them to get out of the house, do something different, and feel useful too.

Tempo Time Credits have also been amazing. Some of the young volunteers have used them to take themselves and their friends out for the day and I’ve done the same – I used mine to take myself and a friend to the theatre.

Physically, there are mornings when I’m having a really bad day and I wouldn’t be able to do certain things. The good thing about volunteering is that if I can’t do something, I don’t have to. I do more computer work now instead of Stay and Play sessions, which is easier for me. The team at YMa always say to me, ‘Do what you can do and if it’s too much, speak to us.’ I love it there – they’re like my little family.

What difference has volunteering made to your organisation?

Bringing new people in. Volunteering takes stress off the staff when running the activities. Volunteers play a big role in helping out and they treat the volunteers really well. 

What would you say to encourage others to volunteer?

What 3 words would you use to describe volunteering:

Support, happiness and friends!