Information from: VAST
Meet the Champion | Steve
Meet Steve – Community Health Champion and volunteer at Father Hudson’s Young at Heart Project!
Steve has had a diverse career, serving in the Navy aboard submarines such as HMS Conqueror and HMS Sovereign, working as a Prison Officer at Wormwood Scrubs and Winson Green, before finishing his working life as a Hospital Porter at the Royal Stoke hospital with UHNM.
Since retiring, Steve hasn’t slowed down! Teaching weekly scuba diving classes and volunteering within the local community. Feeling like he had more to give, Steve Googled ‘volunteering in Stoke’, and came across VAST. He signed up via the volunteering website and Emma, one of our Project Support Officers, invited Steve down for a chat and a brew at The Dudson Centre.
When Emma met Steve, it was clear that he had a friendly and outgoing personality which would be an asset to any local organisation. Steve loves to meet new people and has a fantastic outlook on life, with a great sense of humour to match – a great fit for a Community Health Champion! He describes himself as the life and soul of any party – which we definitely agree with!
Today, Steve has taken a deep dive into volunteering, engaging with health information and advocacy, and attending our varied training sessions.
Steve has also made use of VAST volunteering, VAST’s volunteering matchmaking and support service, to further his engagement with the local health and wellbeing community. He has recently applied for a ‘Meet and Greet’ role at UHNM, and has begun volunteering as part of the ‘Young at Heart’ project at Father Hudson’s. As a Caretaker Volunteer Steve assists with their Hanley group, which offers lunch, bingo and a variety of other activities to around 30 attendees every second Monday from 10am – 2pm.
“From the moment Steve arrived, Steve got involved. He has the perfect personality for volunteering in any role. I just know he is going to be a key figure in our group, he is just what we needed!” – Alexandra Baines, Project Coordinator at Father Hudson’s
Father Hudson’s Young at Heart has been running since 2013, and was created to combat loneliness, and give people aged 55 and over a place to socialise and make new friends – it’s all about providing a safe and welcoming environment for people who might otherwise feel isolated.
The Hanley Social Group all have fantastic things to say about Steve and he really enjoys the time he spends there. Steve finds volunteering offers him many things, including new experiences, purpose, and routine. Steve has also built upon lots of life skills such as listening and empathy, and has made many new friends.
Steve would recommend volunteering to all. It has given him company, enjoyment, fulfilment, and a reason to stay active. In Steve’s own words:
“it’s all about feeling needed, good company, sharing stories and having a laugh!”
Interested in how we can support your journey as a Community Health Champion? Get in touch!