Pets Corner Profile: Meet Jackie
I have volunteered at Pets Corner since August 2016. I feel a real part of the team and I really enjoy the time I spend here.
I deal with all aspects of caring for the animals and ensuring their health and wellbeing. I love animals so this is an ideal role for me; especially when there are new chicks and baby rabbits! But just as much, I love working with the people with learning disabilities and the staff.
I support people and encourage them to be involved in all activities. I love to see them doing things they have not attempted before. When they begin to do jobs for themselves, it builds up their self-confidence to do more. Even the simple jobs like sweeping up can be done together.
I encouraged a person who is supported, to provide food and water for the chipmunks and hens. At first he was wary of them and lacked confidence to go into the cages. After some time, he is able to go into the cages himself and is really pleased that he can hold a chicken!
I am aware how important it is to help others achieve things, as the volunteer role has helped build up my own self confidence and feelings of self-worth. I attended a Training Session at Lisieux Hall and I was quite nervous initially. I felt I was ‘thrown in at the deep end!’ But once I had been there a while, I ended up being the volunteer demonstrating to others how things should be done! I was really pleased I managed to do this.
I hope that other people will give volunteering a try and they will see the positive benefits that it can bring. Eventually, I hope to gain employment in this area of work. But, for the moment, I am very happy to continue volunteering at Brothers of Charity Services and I have asked for another day here at Pets Corner!
