Case Studies

Get involved with us

At Disability Action Yorkshire we think the best way to find out about our work is to hear directly from the people involved. We are building up a range of case studies to give you an insight into how our volunteers, partners, and customers work together to make a real difference.

Everyone involved with Disability Action Yorkshire is passionate about doing their bit to facilitate positive change for disabled people, and that help can take many forms! We offer flexible opportunities to get involved in a way that fits in with your other commitments, matches your interests, and offers huge personal rewards.

Please read the case studies below to get a feel for what Disability Action Yorkshire means to different people and how you could make a difference.

Volunteers

Read About John

Meet John Orgles

Having worked full time in NHS dentistry for 30 years – with all the demands that clinical work and running a busy practice bring – I retired.  It was great; I had DIY projects and motorbike restoration and customisation projects to keep my idle hands and mind busy. After two and a half years, and with the onset of winter, I began to feel a certain listlessness and a yearning to interact with people again. Bikes don’t talk back, you see!

I considered part-time employment, but that entailed set hours and holidays, and I still wanted flexibility in my life. Someone suggested volunteering with one of the many charity organisations in Harrogate. I found a website that lists the various charities and volunteer positions, and Disability Action Yorkshire jumped out at me! The role involved working with adults and school age people, and using my hands – just like being a dentist!

What’s your volunteer role at Disability Action Yorkshire?

Based in the workshop of our Furniture Enterprise, my role involves repairing and upcycling furniture with some of the disabled learners who use DAY’s services; helping  them to gain skills that will enable them to live more independently, and actively engage in the community. The furniture is then sold in the Furniture Enterprise to raise vital funds for the charity.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

I’d say the best things about volunteering for me are the social interaction – with both the learners and the other volunteers and staff – and assisting the learners to achieve their aims. This provides a sense of ‘yes I’ve helped someone today’. It’s a bonus that I’m doing something creative with my hands and brain, which helps the old mind stay youngish for now, and there’s an element of physical exercise as well.

Would you recommend volunteering at Disability Action Yorkshire?
I certainly would recommend volunteering at DAY! It’s really helped me because it’s kept me in touch with the outside world – it keeps my mind ticking over, it’s a good team to work with, and if you do volunteer here, it’ll make you smile at least once a day!

Read About Carolyn

Meet Carolyn

I first heard about Disability Action Yorkshire through an article in the newspaper calling for volunteers to help with new raised beds in the garden at 34 Claro Road, Disability Action Yorkshire’s residential care home for disabled adults. I am a self-employed landscaper so it seemed a really good fit. I have volunteered for many different organisations for many years, and thoroughly enjoy the experience. I really like helping others to get enjoyment and fulfillment from activities that I find equally fulfilling and enjoyable.

What’s your role at Disability Action Yorkshire?

I help to keep the raised beds in good condition; working with residents to grow flowers, fruit, and vegetables that they like.

What is the best thing about volunteering for Disability Action Yorkshire?

I love how much the residents look forward to my visits. 34 Claro Road is their home and it is lovely to be welcomed into it so warmly.

Would you recommend volunteering at Disability Action Yorkshire?

The residents are really chatty and love to have the company of visitors. They would love to have your company, would enjoy hearing about your life and activities, and are always keen to tell you about their lives. You will soon become genuine friends.

Read About Peter

Meet Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These days I am self-employed so finding time to do things outside of work has become much easier than it once was. I am naturally caring and have always been keen on developing people, which has led me to a variety of different volunteering roles in the past. I feel like I have been very lucky in life and that I have a lot I would like to give to others.

I found out about volunteering at Disability Action Yorkshire’s residential centre through Carolyn who also volunteers there. Carolyn and I share a love of tennis and are both passionate about making leisure activities accessible for all. Carolyn told me about her volunteering experience at Claro Road and I felt compelled to give it a try.

What does your volunteer role involve?

My role at Disability Action Yorkshire is twofold. Firstly I take my gentle Golden Retriever, Betsy into the centre to give the residents the joy of caring for her. Betsy is now officially a therapy dog, and gets as much pleasure out of visiting residents as they do from seeing her. I also enjoy chatting to residents and sharing what we and they have been up to.

Secondly I take ingredients into the centre and involve the residents in helping to bake some cakes, buns or biscuits. It can get quite messy, but is great fun and the end result is always much appreciated by all. We are always looking for new recipes that allow the residents to get involved as much as possible.

What is the best thing about volunteering for Disability Action Yorkshire?

Seeing the joy and fun the residents have when they get involved in the baking and see their masterpieces as they come out of the oven. I like to create a bit of theatre around the baking; tasting the ingredients before they go in, and smelling the hot baked goods as soon as they come out.

Why would you recommend volunteering for DAY to others?

I find it so rewarding to see the difference we can making to residents’ lives by giving a little bit of time and doing simple, everyday things that we may take for granted. I don’t feel a sense of obligation and just attend when I can. It is easy to fit into my schedule and just great fun!

If you are not sure about volunteering at Disability Action Yorkshire, I would recommend buddying up with a volunteer who has been doing it for a while and maybe shadowing them until you feel confident doing it alone. The staff and residents are really friendly, and there is always someone there to help out if you are unsure about anything.

For more information about Volunteering Opportunities

Please contact us today on 01423 855 410
Alternatively more information can be found on our contact page