Matthew, can you tell us a bit about yourself, your caring role and what you do as a volunteer for Carers UK?
“My caring role focuses on both my brothers who have learning difficulties, while caring for my mother she had severe mental ill health and I had to support all three family members. My mother passed on, but I still am the main family member supporting my brothers. Both cannot speak, so I have to advocate on their health needs and spend time with them when I can. I volunteer at Carers UK plus at some NHS hospitals. My main volunteer role at Carers UK is to link in with the hospitals in London – I have several carer stalls that I run. Carers UK provides excellent resources for those who are about to care long term. I also speak at several Share and Learn sessions at Carers UK.”
You’ve been a long standing member and volunteer of Carers UK – why did you choose to volunteer with us?
“Carers UK supported me with information, advice, empowerment and support. I just have to give back something to an organisation that puts everything on the line for carers. I believe carers need to get involved to help change things. I can understand why carers get angry due to lack of support, but it’s not good being angry forever, we have to shape the system. One of my mottos is ‘Carers included’.”
You’ve been a real inspiration to Carers UK staff, volunteers, and members across the years. What is your proudest moment in your volunteering role?
“My proudest moment is when Carers UK lent me their banner to take to the hospitals. I felt I was flying the flag for carers across the country. At that point it felt my life meant something. I will take that moment to the grave.”
In your volunteering role you do a whole range of different activities, from leading Share and Learn sessions, to running stalls at local events. What have you enjoyed most and why?
“All volunteering roles give back something different. Share and Learn sessions help with sharing views, ideas and networking with other carers. The stalls help especially in hospitals; when someone becomes a carer after a person is discharged into their care, and they’re not sure where to seek support. I have recently acquired a community centre space to engage with the community. It is a great honour to grow the carers network.”
What is your biggest lesson learnt from volunteering? And do you have any tips for future volunteers?
“There are so many lessons, I have written many books on why carers should volunteer. Basically the number one lesson is empowerment. To go unnoticed, be forgotten about and told to get on with it is just disheartening in health and social care. When you feel you can contribute to the carer movement then you feel empowered. Your life means something as you take a stand for your role. You finally feel that you belong.”
What would you say to those who are thinking of becoming a Carers UK volunteer but aren’t sure?
“Please do volunteer, but only do what you can. The way things are is many have little to no idea that they are caring. We need those to help fly the banner or flag for a charity that gives the voice to carers. Be that voice.”
