My name is Damien, I’ve been caring for my wife since 2013 full time. I became a volunteer for Carers First back in 2020 right before Covid hit. I felt like I wanted to do more with my spare time. My wife who is wheelchair bound had gone back to college which gave me more time. I was asked if I would like to help some other volunteers set up a new carers group at the Black Sluice Cafe in Boston. It started and was going ok until lockdown came along. Unfortunately the numbers never returned after Lockdown lifted.
Whilst we were in Lockdown I was asked if I’d like to train to become a Digital Champion. I’ve had experience with computers in past jobs so I thought it would be good to rekindle some of the memories and go on to help other carers who are unfortunately not as computer savvy. It was a tough time for everyone during lockdown, especially for carers who are stuck indoors.
With social media and using electronic devices becoming popular and a chance for people to at least correspond with friends via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and ordering shopping online, I felt it was a good time for me to give back and help other carers to learn how to speak to friends online and order the weekly shopping. I remember helping one lady get a Gardener from using Google for the first time. It was great to sign someone off when they were able to use a device.
My biggest challenge with being a Digital Champion was talking on the phone. I myself suffer anxiety and find talking on the phone very hard. Some days I found it difficult to pick up the phone but found all carers very friendly to talk too though some were harder than others to teach but rewarding all the same at the end. I found having patience was very important.
As a full time carer I don’t work but still try to make some time for myself.
Getting the courage to talk on the phone has helped me step up to also volunteer at a local Radio Station called Endeavour FM. I do 1-2 shows a week. It was something as a youngster I thought about doing but never pursued but thanks to Carers First I have gained the strength to go on air and even commentated on Boston United football matches.
I have used the radio to promote various Carers First events on air and have had guests on from Carers First. Also a colleague did a 24 hour non-stop radio show raising funds for Carers First as I had mentioned the charity to him. He raised over £500!
In 2021 I was lucky enough to be invited to Lincoln by Carers First for their 30th Year celebrations and met and have a conversation with her Royal Highness Princess Anne. It was also nice to meet other members of staff and share stories. It was a day I will not forget in a hurry.
I am now a moderator on the Carers First Facebook Community. I accept new members who correctly fill in the questions to get into the group. I also look at any posts that need approving.
I’m a volunteer for the Men Do Boston group. We have Banter Breakfast once a month and other various events which go on during the year. It is a fairly new group so slowly establishing ourselves.
I’ve enjoyed finally getting out and about and meeting other carers in similar roles to me. If any carers get the time to volunteer, even for a short time then go for it. The staff are great and it is very rewarding helping other people in the same situation.
I am looking forward to volunteering much more in the future on different projects Carers First introduce.
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