Volunteers’ Week – Dan’s story
All this week, we’re bringing you stories from both staff and customers who give up their own time to help good causes.
Dan Bebbington is a Debt Advisor with our Money Matters team. As well as helping hundreds of customers who are struggling with their finances – Dan is passionate about helping others outside of work too.
“I am a real advocate for ensuring people don’t feel excluded. I think that’s why I was drawn to became a trustee with Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin. I saw how isolated my own grandmother had become when it came to technology – so I wanted to use that experience to help others. I also do a lot of work around helping get Age UK’s messages out to a younger audience.
“I am a social animal – I love spending time with and getting to know people. The COVID-19 pandemic had robbed many people of the opportunity to socialise, and it affected me personally from a mental health perspective. I couldn’t bare sitting at home doing nothing.
“That’s why I decided to volunteer Withywood – Wrekin’s extra care home for older people. I was inspired by all the other people who were giving their time to help during the pandemic I delivered meals to our residents, and also checked in on people to make sure they were ok.
“It was a brilliant experience. I was there on weekends and I got to know the residents really well over time – I still speak to them now. It was amazing to see how everyone at Wrekin has pulled together during the pandemic – people have really got stuck in and given their time to volunteer with lots of different causes.
“I am also passionate about LGBTQ+ causes. During my own time I volunteer with Safe Ageing No Discrimination (SAND), which works to improve the experiences and increase the expectations of older and old lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people accessing health and social care in Shropshire.
“I would recommend volunteering to anybody! Even if you only have an hour free every week, there is something you can do to support your community. There are a lot of causes and charities who are desperate for volunteers to keep their organisations running - especially in times such as these.”
1st June 2021