Letter from a volunteer
Ten years as a volunteer and it all started with me lifting up the phone to reach out for help. Before this day my family never discussed the elephant in the room. I guess denial protected us very well for many years. Then one day it was like the cloak of denial had stretched too thin and an explosion of emotions erupted forth that jolted us out of our denial.
Due to my role as the eldest sibling and my career as a nurse, I had taken on the unspoken role of the fixer, so on this fine day on my way to work the phone calls started coming. The words drugs, psychotic, police and violence entered my world that morning and with those words came feelings of confusion, anger, frustration and concern just to name a few. I remember becoming very emotional as everyone's feelings seemed to be absorbed by me (not a pleasant feeling). For once I recognised that I needed help and somehow I reached Family Drug Support.
What a relief, the person on the other side knew exactly how I felt. He was non judgemental, empathic and cared about my needs. From this first phone call my life began to change. I was able to harness the frustration and anger that I had in motivating myself to become a volunteer. I wanted to give to others the support and hope I had received on that first phone call.
Nervously and with much trepidation I went to the volunteer training. There I met Tony and Sandra who have a special place in my heart for the people that they are.
Little was I to know that FDS was to become like a second family to me. They encouraged, supported and occasionally pushed me along my journey. As I began volunteering I also began a journey of self discovery. The realisation that I needed to sort out my life was scary but at the same time thrilling. With everything I had learnt from FDS and all the callers were; that we all have the ability to face up to our challenges.
I have grown in so many ways that it is difficult to describe. I have gained a better understanding of myself and the confidence to train in another profession as a counsellor.
It is with great sadness that I am leaving FDS as a volunteer. I feel like the child that has been nurtured and encouraged to grow and go into the world as a grown up and leave the comfort of my home of 10 years.
So I am sad to leave whilst at the same time thrilled with what may be around the corner. Always knowing that they are only a phone call away. So if you have ever wondered what it would be like to volunteer, take the plunge and give it a go as I can guarantee you, you won't be disappointed.
Au revoir my family and friends I am continuing my journey and who knows when we will meet again. It will never be good bye as you will always be in my heart.