Volunteer thanks Revival’s Befriending Service for changing his life

Volunteer Max thanks home improvement support specialist Revival for volunteering opportunities which 'changed his life'.

During the last year he’s been calling isolated people at home providing wellbeing support as part of Revival’s Befriending Service.

The volunteer-led service connects lonely people to volunteers and their community to help them live independently at home.

Volunteer Max says befriending is a rewarding experience that’s helped him get back to the person he used to be.

“I decided to volunteer with Revival because I couldn’t work due to my health conditions. They were having an impact on my confidence, and I was struggling with anxiety.

“I used to be so passionate about work and led a team of over 50-60 men. Volunteering for Revival helped me get back to that person.

Max heard about the service when the trusted Repairs Team came to his home. Since then, he says calling people once a week has changed his life.

“When I first started, I was apprehensive. I listened more than talked but that’s what the customers needed, someone to be there for them.

“I was supporting two 90-year-old women who lived on their own. I would call each of them once a week and it would be the first chance we’d both get to speak to someone that day.

“I would call, ask how they’d been, and listen. I’d love hearing their stories and memories. When I came off the phone I had a sense of achievement knowing I’d helped someone.

“Since volunteering for Revival I can honestly say they’ve changed my life. Becoming a befriender has shown me I can do anything I put my mind to.

Max says the volunteering opportunity has prepared him for the next step of his journey.

“I’m proud to say that I’ve been accepted as a volunteer for Changes. I’m going on to support people with their wellbeing and help them battle addiction.

“Revival prepared me for that by helping me develop so many tools and skills to get over my social anxiety and get my confidence back. I couldn’t recommend befriending enough!”