At Kidderminster Day Care, which supports people who are living with dementia and a range of age related conditions, in recognition of this year’s Global Intergenerational Week, student volunteer at the day care service, Keelan Murrihy, has been sharing his volunteering story.
Keelan, who is studying Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 at Kidderminster College, has been volunteering as his Work Placement at Kidderminster Day Care since December 2024. “What motivates me is that I want to help people who are living with Dementia to live well,” said Keelan. “I visit the day care service every Wednesday and help out with a range of different activities including ball games, quizzes and table games such as Dominoes and cards.
“Each activity I host with the day care clients is designed to suit and fulfil the client’s physical and emotional needs and are all tailored to each individual’s likes, interests, hobbies and favourite pastimes. The clients love to get involved with the activities – the Word Wheel is a particular favourite where we make different words out of letters which appear on the Wheel, they really enjoy it.”
“Having Keelan volunteer with us each week is something the clients look forward to,” added Shirley Bradley, Friends of the Elderly’s Head of Day Care Services. “Keelan works extremely well and adheres to our ethos of a person-centred approach when he’s delivering the meaningful activities. He pays great attention to the clients and listens to what they like to do and when they like to do it.”
Before volunteering at Kidderminster Day Care, Keelan volunteered at The British Heart Foundation shop on the High Street in the town. “I learn new skills every time I’m at the day care service and am happy that I now have the ability to make people happy,” continued Keelan. “I had to overcome my nerves when I first started, but I can honestly say that I find the time I spend with the clients is 100% rewarding.
“Learning, first hand, how to work as part of a team, initiate the meaningful activities and make a positive difference to someone’s day, is amazing.”
“With his approachable, friendly, funny and positive demeanour, Keelan is a great asset to the Team,” added Shirley. “The clients are always engaged and very happy to join in with Keelan’s activities. He’s always willing to do anything to help out and makes everyone happy from the moment he arrives until the minute he leaves.”
“People who are living with Dementia can demonstrate various behaviours which can, sometimes, be quite different to what I am used in my day-to-day life,” continued Keelan. “I find it so interesting to see how the day care team manages this. They are so well trained and caring.”
“At the end of each volunteering shift, I feel very satisfied that I have contributed to giving everyone a great day. If anyone is thinking about volunteering, I wouldn’t hesitate to say do it, absolutely do it. The varied experience I’m gaining from volunteering at Kidderminster Day Care is outstanding. Caring for the elderly, especially those living with Dementia is so rewarding, worthwhile and fulfilling. I enjoy every minute of each volunteering shift,” concluded Keelan.
Find out more about Kidderminster Day Care by calling 01562 825 490 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.