Dianne has volunteered for Carers Leeds for a massive 14 years, in a variety of different roles.

For the last 5-6 years Dianne has been part of the befriending service to offer telephone/face to face support to carers as a befriender. Dianne fits this in around working full time, volunteering for the RSPB, and being an active member of her local Church.

Before lockdown, Carer Befriending Co-ordinator Nikki Pattinson had chance to ask Dianne a couple of questions so others can see what it’s like to volunteer at Carers Leeds.

Q: What is it that keeps you volunteering at Carers Leeds after 14 years?

A: I still enjoy being able to ‘give back’ to the organisation, after the support I received myself, when I was caring for my Mum. I get a real ‘buzz’ out of supporting the carers I’m matched with; and it does me good too! I currently support two carers. Although they are very different to each other, I enjoy talking to both of them. It’s nice to hear that they look forward to my calls.

Q: What support do you get to help you volunteer?

A: I would also say that I could not carry out the role without the excellent training, and full support that I get from Carers Leeds.

Q: What’s the most difficult thing about being a befriender?

A: Listening to a carer who is having a difficult time, and not being able to do more than listen.

Thank you to Dianne for supporting Carers Leeds for all these years…and hopefully many more to come.