Emotional Impact & Support

You might experience:

• Sadness after hearing about someone's isolation or life story
• Frustration when you can't fix someone's problems
• Anxiety before visits, especially in the early days
• Grief if a service user passes away or becomes seriously unwell
• Guilt if you need to take a break or reduce your availability
• Emotional fatigue — feeling drained after visits

All of these are normal and human responses. They show you care.

• Talk about it — share how you're feeling with your coordinator or a trusted friend
• Attend debriefs and peer support sessions — you'll realise you're not alone
• Set boundaries for yourself — it's okay to step back when you need to
• Practice self-care — rest, hobbies, exercise, time with loved ones
• Keep a journal if it helps you process your experiences
• Remember why you started — your presence genuinely matters

Please reach out to your coordinator or the contacts below if you experience:

• Persistent low mood or anxiety related to volunteering
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Intrusive thoughts about a service user's situation