Volunteers’ Week 2025 takes place from 2 June – 8 June and is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of the volunteers.
This week we will be highlighting just some of the volunteers within Inverclyde.
If you would like to share your volunteering story, please contact Sabrina.sigler@cvsinverclyde.org.uk.
Gillian Hefer volunteers as a Back Home Visitor with Compassionate Inverclyde. Back Home Visitors offer companionship and support to those who feel lonely or isolated, especially the elderly and those returning home from hospital.
What is your volunteer role?
I volunteer as Back Home Visitor with Compassionate Inverclyde. It has been one of the most heartwarming experiences of my life. I signed up thinking I’d be helping others, and I do, but what I didn’t expect was just how much joy and connection it would bring into my own life.
Every visit is a wee adventure. I’ve shared laughs over stories from years gone by, swapped books, admired gardens, and even learned a few unexpected life lessons from the incredible people I’ve met. There’s something really special about being welcomed into someone’s home and knowing that your presence alone can brighten their day.
What have you gained from volunteering?
It’s the simple things that stay with me. A smile at the door, a heartfelt “thank you,” a squeezy hug or the way someone lights up when they see a familiar face. These moments fill me with a warmth that lasts well beyond the visit. I leave feeling a little lighter, a little more connected and incredibly grateful.
Being a Back Home Visitor has reminded me how powerful kindness can be. It’s shown me that even small acts, like sitting down for a chat, delivering a beautiful bunch of flowers or helping someone put on their pretty earrings that they haven’t worn in years, can make a big difference.
Most of all, it’s given me a deeper sense of community and a whole lot of joy.
How can others become a volunteer like you?
Learn more about volunteering with Compassionate Inverclyde on https://compassionateinverclyde.org/volunteering/
Find other local volunteer opportunities on https://volunteerinverclyde.com/volunteers/search.htm
There’s something for everyone!