Posted on: 25 January 2024
The CNWL Volunteer Team is delighted to share their volunteer, Christella has been recognised in the Room to Reward (R2R) scheme.
It's a wonderful initiative that shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes among volunteers. This scheme celebrates the incredible difference volunteers make in our world. Imagine this: over 500 UK hotels join hands to turn their rooms into amazing experiences for volunteers who really deserve it. And Christella? She's right at the top of that deserving list.
Room to Reward have given her a two-day break at a hotel, a way to say a huge thank you for everything she's done with the Trust. With her R2R certificate in hand, Christella is more than just a volunteer; she embodies the very essence of kindness and commitment, and all of us at CNWL, deeply value and stand for.
Read below the team nomination submitted:
"I am absolutely delighted to nominate Christella, who, for over seven years, has been a remarkable “FACTS trainer” volunteer and "Check-In and Chat Chatter" volunteer. Check-In and Chat (C&C) is a service that provides support to carers or anyone using our services and experiencing loneliness and isolation. It offers eight calls over eight weeks by Volunteer Chatters to unpaid (friend or family) carers of CNWL service users to reduce the health harming impacts of loneliness and isolation, provide informal support, and encourage networking with community resources.
Christella hasn't just been making calls; she's been making monumental differences. Her weekly phone chats with carers and service users have become a lifeline, offering a blend of support, companionship, and a level of kindness unmatched.
Furthermore, in her role as a FACTs trainer since 2017, Christella has been instrumental in the Families and Carers Training and Support Programme (FACTS). This programme, developed with the support of the Anna Freud Centre, serves carers, friends, and families of people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)/Emerging Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). Her responsibilities include delivering training, maintaining and updating knowledge, and providing support and supervision in partnership with CNWL staff.
What makes Christella unique is her extraordinary gift of transforming every conversation into a warm embrace. She doesn't just engage in small talk; she listens, understands, and deeply connects. Her talent for turning a simple phone call or a training session into a profound moment of care and attention has shone like a beacon of hope for many. With an exceptional memory for the little details, and her knack for asking just the right questions, Christella consistently offers words that comfort and uplift.
Christella's role extends far beyond that of a mere chatter and a trainer. In her dual capacity, she stands out for her unwavering commitment to illuminate the lives of those she speaks with. In a world where many feels isolated and unheard, Christella's contributions, be it over the phone or in person, have become a source of solace and joy. Each conversation with her is more than a check-in; it's a comprehensive and caring follow-up on their well-being. She diligently ensures that the support doesn't end with a “goodbye,” but rather with guidance on how to access further assistance.
For her unwavering dedication, compassionate approach, and the immense positive impact she's made, Christella truly deserves to be celebrated. Her work perfectly captures the essence of volunteering, making a genuine, heartfelt difference in the lives of others. Her style of volunteering is just like adding glitter to glue; it sticks and sparkles. Her enthusiasm, warmth and mega-watt smile not only brighten the days of those she talks to but leave a lasting, positive impression."
Volunteer to Career (VtC) Programme
But Christella's journey doesn't stop here. She's not just an exceptional volunteer; she's a shining example of the impact of the VtC Programme; a programme that empowers volunteers to excel in their path toward NHS employment through their volunteer work. Once completed 30-hours of volunteering, volunteers like Christella can access the programme's opportunities for career guidance, training, and mentorship.
Through VtC, she has:
- Participated in workshops and training to enhance her skills, enrich her volunteer work, and prepare for a successful career.
- Gained access to career guidance and mentorship, aligning her strengths with NHS career opportunities.
- Built a supportive network, reinforcing her dedication to making a positive impact.
Christella's VtC journey showcases her dedication to growth, enhancing her value to CNWL and the healthcare community.
Learn more and get involved!
