Volunteer Story -Marvellous Mandy

My name is Mandy. I have lived in Hastings for almost 26 years.  I retired from a 21 year Railway career around 3 years ago and now have a part time job two days a week.

I first became involved with HEART very early on during the pandemic. I saw a post on Facebook asking for volunteers to deliver groceries and medications to people who were isolating. 

I love this town and the pandemic was a very strange time for all of us. As a frontline worker I was out and about most days getting to and from work, so felt it would be an easy thing for me to do.

 I started off doing deliveries, then some telephone befriending. The NHS approached HEART and asked for volunteers to help out at vaccination clinics. I helped out at several locations around the town but eventually spent many months at the Town Hall.  HEART then contacted me about opening the Community Info Hub and I agreed to give it a go.  I try to give two mornings a week to the Hub if I can.

I adore being at the Hub.  Every day is different.  We never know who will walk through the door and what their issue will be.

I have gained a lot of humility and also empathy from some of the issues affecting our town. Many things I was unaware of previously. I also have gained the fabulous experience of meeting many of the beautiful hilarious characters who live in our unique town.

We laugh all the time. The Hub team are amazing and we support each other through everything. Friendships have been struck and we even meet outside occasionally for a bit of a debrief.  Some of our returning clients have amazing life stories which are a pleasure to listen to.

If anyone is considering volunteering with HEART I would say go for it. The tasks are so varied there is something for everyone and we are making such a huge difference locally.