Over the years, Paul has helped residents at Enliven Central’s Huntleigh Home in Karori, and later led the home’s weekly church services.
The Wednesday church service is a much-loved ritual for Huntleigh residents. Staff help anyone who needs a hand getting there, and the atmosphere is warm and inclusive.
Paul’s volunteering journey began after he retired, when he answered a call for help with Huntleigh Home’s church services at his local Anglican church, St Mary’s in Karori.
“I could probably help,” Paul thought, and he did. After training to deliver services for the residents, he assisted the priest and took over leading the services. He kept volunteering throughout his 60s and 70s, enjoying every service and the people he met along the way.
“Over the time I’ve been here, the atmosphere has always been wonderfully kind and Christian. It’s always been a pleasure to be here, says Paul. “I’ve felt the care and love that people have for each other. It has been consistently warm and hasn’t changed a great deal. The heart is still there.”
“When I began volunteering, I knew some of the residents, they had been from my local parish, which was a good thing. I got to know more residents over time, and if they couldn’t make it to the service, I would often give Holy Communion in their rooms.
“The staff have always been wonderful to deal with. They make things run so well for volunteers and residents. They’ve always been so helpful and conscientious about reminding residents of the church service and helping them get there.”
Strong bonds developed naturally. Some residents were too frail for much conversation, while others could chat more easily. Talking and spending time with residents was an important way to show care.
Why volunteers matter in our homes
Paul’s story shows what volunteers bring to daily life in aged care. Our staff provide clinical and personal care around the clock, and volunteers add something different: time, friendship and a familiar face. They help residents stay connected to the interests, faith and routines that matter to them, and to the wider community. A weekly visit, a shared cup of tea, a conversation or a service can brighten a resident’s day and help a home feel like a true community.
Volunteers are also a valuable part of the team. Enliven Central Regional Manager Kiran Sunny says volunteers bring so much positive energy to our homes and so many smiles to residents.
He says choosing a volunteering role that reflects your interests is a way to contribute, and one that can feel just as good for the volunteer as for those they support.
Paul agrees, his message to anyone thinking about volunteering is simple: “It’s very rewarding. It’s valuable to Enliven and the people who run the home, and to the volunteer, too. You meet so many people and do something useful with your time.”
Now a sprightly 82, Paul is stepping back from volunteering at Huntleigh Home to spend more time with family who have returned from overseas. He’s looking forward to being more hands-on with his young grandchildren, aged five and seven.
On behalf everyone at Enliven Central, thank you, Paul, for 21 years of care and commitment. You’ve been a stalwart of Huntleigh Home, and the door is always open for you to pop in and say hello.
Interested in volunteering at an Enliven Home?
Visit: www.enlivencentral.org.nz/work-with-us