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Name: Sara Wallace
Age: Twenty-something
Organisation: Penumbra Respite Care
A year and a half ago, Sara was a student in her penultimate year of an Honors degree in psychology at Edinburgh University. She was looking for some experience in the field of clinical psychology to help her make decisions regarding her professional career. Quite by chance she read a notice on the department notice board and applied to volunteer at Penumbra, which markets itself as "one of Scotland's leading mental health organisations, providing a wide range of support services for adults and young people." The home provides a safe environment for supportive breaks, either as a halfway house, or as a rest for guests and careers.
Sara took a supportive role by offering company to the guests on a weekly basis, with flexible hours but usually during a four or five hour shift. Her role involved chatting, playing games and watching television with guests and this released professional staff for other duties. Sara also drove and accompanied guests on recreational and shopping trips. Occasionally there are optional training courses for volunteers, but Sara was satisfied with effective supervision. Opportunities to meet with other volunteers gave her an opportunity to discuss her work, as it is carried out on a confidential basis.
Sara felt that she was able to facilitate more flexible schedules for staff and guests. Volunteers make outings possible and guests and patients are very grateful. She enjoyed making a positive difference in people’s lives by going on outings as a volunteer rather than as a professional with all the associated responsibility. She also enjoyed the admiration of friends.
Sara was able to develop skills in communicating with people from less advantaged backgrounds. She felt that she was able to gain trust and build relationships, improving her listening skills in the process. The experience increased Sara's awareness of the stigma of mental health problems in society. She now feels that working in the field of clinical psychology needs more than a degree and that perhaps having a personal connection, with mental health problems through self, family or friends, would be helpful. Sara was able to use her experience to help her make decisions regarding the direction of her professional career.
Volunteer experience in one word: Surprising
