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John’s story
Former Post Office engineer John Jenkins, felt alone
and miserable when his wife died three years ago.
That was until Michael came along:
“I felt isolated. The feeling was terrible and I suffered
panic attacks as well. I’m a different person now,
thanks to Cadwyn Môn, I’ve come out of my shell. I’m
limited with physical things I can do but I’m strong
mentally again. I go to two Age Well Centres and
I’ve even learned how to cook through the ‘Cooking
for Men’ course at Amlwch. I also keep in touch with
Cadwyn Mon through the friendship club that meets
once a month. Meeting Mike made a 100 per cent
difference, I’ve made lots of new friends and I can go
anywhere now whereas before I used to hang back.”
Volunteer Michael Bourhill struck up a close friendship
with John after discovering that they shared similar
interests. Michael said: “When I first met John
he was affable and he had the social skills to get
on with people so we struck it off quite quickly.
We went to a lot of places together. We both like
things like railways, music and historic museums.
He had obviously had an interesting life and I felt
this chap could have another interesting life. Within
a few weeks he had improved
remarkably.”
Minnie’s story
Minnie Brimecombe’s was the main carer for her
sister for over 30 years. When she died of cancer
Minnie’s life was in tatters. She said: “I was the
main carer for my sister because she had
rheumatoid arthritis. When she died
four years ago my world fell apart – I
was just lost. I didn’t know what
hit me because my life was so full
looking after her and now there
was nothing. So I got touch with
Cadwyn Môn and they said they
would come to see me. Darling
lady Lesley came and she has
been an absolute life saver. If I
hadn’t done something at that
time I don’t think I would have
survived. Lesley offered to take me
out once a week for ten weeks and
after my time with her finished she
said she was going to keep in touch. She
still takes me out on a regular basis, sometimes
we go out, other times we just meet over a cup of
tea – we get on so well. I’ve also competed in the
Older People’s Eisteddfod and won first prize and a
shield for my knitting, something I never dreamed of.
Without Lesley I would be in heaven by now, bless
her heart. I hate to think what would have happened
if she hadn’t come along. Cadwyn Môn has made my
life worthwhile”.
Lesley Haggis has been volunteering for Cadwyn Môn
since early 2014 and has over the years befriended
many individuals, but now counts Minnie as one of
her closest friends.
Lesley said: “I wanted to make a difference to the
lives of older people. Minnie was so depressed when I
met her and was still getting over a bereavement. We
hit it off straight away. Because she was so isolated
and alone I wanted to keep going back and make a
positive difference. Now I don’t put a time limit on
my visits – it’s however long it takes because it’s just
like meeting up with a friend now.
“When I was told about Cadwyn Môn I was really
excited. It’s the best voluntary work I’ve ever done.
I absolutely love it and it also gives back to me – it
makes my life worthwhile. Cadwyn Môn makes us
feel cherished, looked after, warm and valued.”
Case studies
