A green-fingered charity volunteer says she loves combining her passion for gardening with helping others. Julia Dalton is part of the Help at Home service run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Volunteers are matched with a family so they can provide vital practical support with chores like cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, dog-walking and DIY. In Julia’s case, she helps a family tend to their garden and spares two or three hours a week.
“I feel very lucky to be helping others, while doing something I genuinely enjoy and am passionate about,” said the 67-year-old, who retired in 2021 but previously worked at Houghton Hall for 15 years.
“When I signed up, I said I was particularly interested in gardening, because that’s my background and what I did in my previous job. I was matched with a family who only wanted a gardener, and didn’t need any help in the house, so it was perfect.
“I go once a week and it’s generally for two or three hours, although sometimes more depending on what I’m doing. It’s great and I love it. For one thing, I like being outside. I’d been a full-time gardener beforehand and it was something I missed.
“However, the main thing I love is doing something that helps others.
“It means they don’t have to worry and I can keep their garden tidy, looking after the flower beds and pruning when necessary. It’s more a case of little things than big projects – some weeding here and there, keeping the path clear and taking things to the tip.”
Julia, who has a son, Harry, 23, lived in California for nine years before moving to Norfolk in 2003 and she currently resides in Norwich. She decided to start volunteering this time last year and completed some initial training with EACH Volunteer Co-ordinator Anne Rayner.
She was then matched with her family and started volunteering in the Spring.
“The irony is that I first came across it by accident, because I was looking on Indeed for part-time jobs,” said Julia.
“That’s where I saw an advert for a part-time gardener at The Nook. I thought ‘oh, that’s interesting’ and got in touch, which is what led to me joining the Help at Home service.
“It’s not something I’d heard of previously but I’m so glad to be part of it now. The first year has gone so quickly and it’s definitely something I plan to continue. I certainly don’t have any plans to stop.
“You get to build a relationship with the family, which is lovely and rewarding. It’s nice to feel you’re helping and making a difference.
“Sometimes it doesn’t always feel like much, but they’re always very appreciative. I’d definitely recommend it to others.”
EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. In addition to The Nook, it has two other hospices – The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge.
To read more about Help at Home, click here.
For more information about the service, head to the EACH website, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or call 01223 800800 (select option four).
