Stewardship Report FY 2017 - 18
INSPIRING STORIES
What Do I Do as a Befriender-Volunteer?
M
y volunteering activity started off
at Evergreen Circle Seniors Activity
Centre as an exercise instructor. I
volunteered to teach the Meridian exercise
as it helps to improve the body’s blood
circulation. Having been on this exercise
for 2 years, and medical check-up results
showed improvements, I decided to pass
on this exercise to the seniors.
my life struggles. I even gave them my
mobile number so that they could call me
if there is any need for help or support.
For complex issues, I am assured that the
seniors can be referred to Presbyterian
Community Services for professional help.
Life has its ups and downs,
moments of joy and sorrow. As a
befriender, I am glad to be given the
opportunity to make a difference in
the lives of the seniors, especially
those who are more socially
isolated.
After a while, Mr Francis Tan at the centre
asked me if I could be a befriender as
well. Due to my commitment to Dover
Park Hospice as a befriender then, I had
to decline Mr Tan. I told him that should
my befriendee pass away, I would join the
Community Befriending Programme that
is managed by the centre for Tampines
West constituency.
As I spent time and walked with them
during this season of their lives, may they
find a friend in me who can be of some
help to them. May I also encourage many
more active seniors to rise up to this
meaningful challenge of reaching out and
helping those who are less fortunate, less
active and less able to help themselves.
I kept to my promise, and that was when
my journey as a befriender-volunteer
for Tampines West started. I personally
believe that my call to ministry is to the
seniors, even though I had worked with
youths and children. I find the work as a
befriender to the seniors very fulfilling.
Mdm Sue Ho
Volunteer-Befriender
What do I do when I meet up with my
befriendees?
We talk to each other.
Sometimes, I visit them in their homes
and sometimes, we share a meal at the
coffee shop. They would share their life
stories with me and these stories can be
endearing, and some stories can also be
extremely sad. For seniors, it is common
to hear of their long-term illnesses, bodily
pains, and sharing of their emotional and
mental struggles.
At times, I felt very helpless because I
could not help them very much, except to
listen and encourage them. I also shared
my own experiences on how I overcame
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