#VolunteersWeek - Sarah

Volunteers - A spotlight on the people who make a difference.

All sorts of people, for all sorts of reasons, volunteer.

As part of Volunteers Week we want to celebrate and show our appreciation for  some of the amazing people who support and contribute to Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust. We hope they inspire and motivate you to make the most of your neighbourhood. 

Today the spotlight is on Sarah:

My name is Sarah Brimfield. I live locally in Horfield and I am a single parent. I trained many years ago as a Mental Health Nurse and I am also a Dance Movement Psychotherapist. I am currently studying Therapeutic Counselling skills at City of Bristol College. I became interested in volunteering as a way of supporting my learning and to use my person centred counselling skills.

I began volunteering at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust at The Hub as a helper for the Art for Wellbeing group. The residents are diverse in age and gender and abilities. 

It is very inclusive and welcomes everybody. I enjoy my role supporting people and working alongside them creatively, using a range of resources. 

There are always different activities going on in every session, from knitting and needlework and felting to papier mache. There is a table for painting, drawing and relevant current themes such as the Coronation, and opportunities to join in with guest artists. A particular favourite were the guests from the Arnolfini who we made mosses that we melted from wax with their creative inspirations.

The residents all bring something unique to the group and I have learned to appreciate the value of being in the moment with the individual using art as a creative resource.

 I feel a sense of empathy with them. Each person brings their own story. I have been most surprised at the two-way process of being included and valued myself and how great I feel after every session. I have been shown gratitude from staff and residents and would recommend to anybody to get involved in volunteering. 

You too could be surprised how good it feels to be involved with other volunteers and give something back to your community.

Thank you Sarah! From the team at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust.