We caught up with Michael, our dedicated volunteer at Lurgan DISH, to find out a bit more about his role at Praxis Care, and what he gets out of volunteering.
How long have you been a volunteer and what is your role?
I’ve been a volunteer for nearly five years. I go to the gardens at Lurgan DISH on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons where I maintain them with help from a few of the people the service supports.
What does the role involve?
My role involves mowing and strimming the lawn, wedding the planters and beds, building a range of planters, sowing seeds, planting bedding flowers and growing a mix of fruit and vegetables.
Why did you become a volunteer?
I struggle with my mental health and wanted to keep myself busy. I attend a garden nursery on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at Tannaghmore Gardens in Craigavon, through Action Mental Health. I wanted to do something on a Tuesday and Thursday, and the opportunity to help in the gardens at Lurgan DISH came up and I’ve not looked back since. The volunteering has had a positive impact on my mental health.
What do you enjoy most?
I love working with the staff and those that attend the service, and seeing a plan come to fruition. There was a vision for the gardens when I started, and five years on that vision has become a reality – The Serenity Garden. I’ve learnt so much; I knew little about gardening when I started and now I know what to plant and when, and I’ve been able to share my skills with others. I have a real sense of pride in what I’ve achieved and the support from Annette, one of the support workers here, and the team has been amazing.
Would you recommend volunteering to others?
YES – most definitely. You make such a difference and it’s great to be part of The Serenity Garden as it’s not only open to staff and service attendees, but the wider community also.
What else are you involved in at Lurgan DISH?
We had a cabin installed a few years ago which we’ve made into a relaxing space, we’ve all added our own little touches to it. We watch movies, play card games and just chill out. We can also be quite competitive and enjoy taking part in our version of Come Dine with Me.
The Impact of Michael’s Volunteering:
The people being supported are now involved on a day-to-day basis with the upkeep of the gardens, taking ownership on days that Michael isn’t in. Some individuals even said they wouldn’t come in to help in the gardens if Michael wasn’t a volunteer. Thank you Michael for all that you do! To learn more about volunteering opportunities with Praxis Care, click here.
