Would you like to be a Hearing Help volunteer?

Linda Gilling tells us a little bit about her experience being a CDA Hearing Help Volunteer

Tell me a little bit about your volunteering role?

I am a hearing aid technician. I change the tubes on hearing aids and clean them so that the wearer can hear better, which is very important for them.

What made you want to volunteer? 

I volunteer for a few different groups. My mum and husband wear hearing aids, so I understand how much it means to them to be able to hear properly, especially in social areas.

How did it all start?

Well, my husband saw the advert on our local Facebook page asking for volunteers …..so here I am!

How does volunteering make you feel?

Coming from a background of a healthcare practitioner, I’ve always wanted to help people, it makes me feel like I am doing good for the community.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

Meeting lovely people and knowing that in some small way, you have affected their life to make it better.

Do you have a particular highlight?

Not a particular one, but seeing people's eyes light up and a big smile when they can hear better after the maintenance of their aids.

Do you feel supported and appreciated in your role?

Yes, definitely. Not only Riley and Gerry, the lovely and caring ladies, have really helped me, but the other fantastic volunteers are always happy to help. Everyone is so friendly.

Does volunteering make you feel more connected to your community, if so – how?

I moved here 3 years ago, and it’s been a way to meet the local community and connect with them.

Would you recommend volunteering to others and why?

Yes, always. If we are able to, volunteering is needed so much in so many areas, especially health. I feel if we can all do our bit to help, it’s important.

Do you have any advice you’d give someone that was thinking about volunteering?

Yes, do it, don’t be scared, help is always there from wonderful caring people and training is great. Remember, learning something new, whatever age you are (and I’m 61), helps our brains too!

Do you feel volunteering has changed your life?

Good question. Yes, it gets me out. I could easily be a ‘couch potato’.

And it’s rewarding. Helping other people is something my parents always taught me and I have passed this on to my children and grandchildren.