 British Red Cross volunteers are appealing for help at a vital community service in Hythe.
The volunteer-led charity offers a range of services to help those with health issues lead a full life.
In Hythe, the dedication of a committed few allows us to provide medical equipment on short-term loan from our unit at The Medical Centre in Beaulieu Road, to vulnerable people just around the corner.
For a person with mobility problems, having a wheelchair or walking aid can mean the difference between leading a comfortable life and being a prisoner in their home.
Medical loan volunteer Anne Sexton, from Fawley, learnt what it was like to be on the other side of the service when she fell and broke her leg while on holiday in the Canary Islands.
The 75-year-old returned home and immediately received the support of her fellow volunteers from the Hythe medical equipment loan centre, as they gathered around to help her recovery and ensure she was as comfortable as possible.
Mrs Sexton said:
“The equipment I borrowed gave me the mobility to get back on my feet as soon as possible. It’s all about independent living, which is very important to me and to many of the other people who use our service.
It’s important for people to know we are here so they don’t have to struggle alone.
I have been a medical equipment loan volunteer for about five years now, I joined the Red Cross after I retired. I had a few friends who volunteered for the service and they enjoyed it so much I thought I would give it a try.
It’s about doing something for the community and it’s enjoyable so I have stayed with it.”
How would I be helping people?
As a medical equipment volunteer, you’ll play a key role in helping to bring a little extra freedom and independence to people’s lives. Your role could include:
- demonstrating how to use and maintain our wheelchairs and other items
- helping monitor the delivery and collection of equipment
- checking and cleaning equipment on its return.
Without volunteers we would never be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others.
If you can give just a few hours a week, please get in touch on 01962 891660.
Hythe medical loan volunteer Margaret Long, added:
“I began volunteering for the Red Cross because my father was in a POW camp in WWII and he was given British Red Cross food parcels. This is my way of saying thank you to the Red Cross.
I really enjoy volunteering at the medical loan centre. I enjoy meeting people and the other factor is you feel you are making a positive contribution to someone in distress.
Sometimes I will come home after spending time at the centre and feel I’m really glad I was there for that person this morning.”
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