Sian Flourishes Through Volunteering at Dungate Manor
Dungate Manor Care Home has been incredibly proud to welcome Sian as a volunteer through Surrey Choices, which supports people with autism and learning disabilities in finding employment and volunteering opportunities.
Sian knew she wanted to help in a care home, and with support from her support worker Maggie, she began looking for somewhere to volunteer. And after visiting a number of homes, they found Dungate Manor, which turned out to be a lovely match.
Since joining the home, Sian has really found her feet and become a wonderful part of life at Dungate Manor. She gets involved with activities alongside Fena and Gabi, and especially loves spending time with residents sitting together, listening to their stories and enjoying a good chat are some of the moments she enjoys most.
Maggie has seen just how much Sian has grown in confidence since she started volunteering. She said:
“I work for Surrey Choices in Employability and help get people with autism and/or learning disabilities into work. My young customer Sian told me she wanted to help in a care home. After visiting many care homes to enquire about a voluntary position, I luckily found Dungate Manor Care Home. The moment I entered, I knew this was the right place for her.
“The kindness and support they give Sian has made an amazing difference; she has flourished in confidence greatly. Fena and Gabi are incredible with Sian; she helps with activities and loves to sit with the residents, listening and chatting with them.
Dungate holds fantastic fundraising events where they invite Surrey Choices to attend. My colleagues who recently attended a Macmillan coffee and cake morning remarked that it is truly wonderful in every way.
I have yet to come across such an incredible care home, incredible management and staff and such a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere.”
Her journey is a lovely example of why community connections are so important to us at Dungate Manor. By creating opportunities for people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to spend time together, everyone has something to gain.
We are extremely proud of Sian and grateful to Surrey Choices for helping bring her into the Dungate Manor family. We look forward to seeing her confidence continue to grow and, most importantly, sharing many more happy moments together.
