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For some, retirement is an opportunity to kick back, relax and take it easy. But for others, the itch to keep busy and continue being of service is irresistible. That was certainly the case for Norman, who saw retirement as a chance to continue his career as a volunteer.

As a long-serving Provincial Grand Almoner (PGA), Norman is no stranger to working with the MCF. So when we launched the Visiting Volunteer (VV) programme in 2016, he jumped at the chance to sign up and offer his services. As a VV, he visits people looking for MCF support and helps them to complete their application.

We spoke to Norman about how volunteering fits into his life now that he has left the world of paid work.

My alarm goes off…

…at 7.30am. That is unless my dog decides to get up earlier! The first thing I do is make my wife tea and toast, then I’ll make my own breakfast and catch up with the news.

I start my day by…

…checking my emails to see if any new enquiries have come in. As a PGA, I’ll receive four or five messages a day from people in need of support, but not all of those will progress to an MCF application. For anyone who isn’t eligible, I’ll try to signpost them to other local services or charities.

Before I go out on a visit…

…I’ll start by calling the person up to learn a bit more about their situation and check what would be the most convenient time for me to visit. The start of the application process can be the most intimidating, so it’s my job to make them feel comfortable and confident in our ability to help.

Once I arrive…

…I always start by letting the applicant do the
talking by asking open-ended questions. You can learn a lot about their situation and general wellbeing just by listening well.

Once I’ve explained the application process, we’ll go through the form – which can take anywhere between 45 minutes to two to three hours depending on how complex or distressing the case is.

When I get home…

…I check that all the documents are correct and add my report. Then I scan it over to the MCF office – much quicker than the post!

At lunchtime…

…my wife and I will have a light snack and sit in the garden if it’s nice enough.

My most memorable moment…

…was saving a family who was going to be evicted in 36 hours. The MCF was able to provide an emergency grant to keep them in their home and went on to provide grants for daily living costs.

The hardest part of my role is…

…learning that someone doesn’t qualify for support. Because we meet people face to face, we build a good relationship with them. When someone opens their heart to you, you owe it to them to be there when the news is bad.

The best part of my role…

…putting a smile on people’s faces. Many people think that others are more worthy of support but I can see that they need help and, thanks to my knowledge and expertise, I can help make sure that they get it.

When i’m not volunteering…

…I enjoy pottering about the garden, and sitting out there reading the paper. We also have five grandchildren, two of whom I pick up every day from school and look after them until teatime.