A VOLUNTEER from Dawlish Warren has explained how helping a charity has been helping her since she was widowed. 

Sue Worthington-Dickason spends time volunteering at Exminster-based Westbank at its community cooker school. 

She has shared her experience during national Volunteers Week to encourage other people to consider volunteering in their spare time. 

She became a volunteer following the death of her husband whom she spent decades caring for. 

She said: ‘When my husband died, I’d been his carer for the best part of 40 years. 

‘In the last 12 months of his life, he was increasingly frail, so I was doing everything for him. 

‘Once that finishes, you feel a bit lost. 

‘To volunteer is to give back and giving back is important. It also keeps you sane after you’ve lost a partner.’

Throughout Volunteers’ Weeks which runs until June 9, Westbank Community Health and Care is celebrating the army of volunteers who are the beating heart of the Devon-wide charity and sharing volunteers’ stories to inspire more people to help make a difference. 

Now in its 40th year, Volunteers Week is a chance for charities across the south west to celebrate those who give their time to help others and say thank you to them for the contribution they make. 

The week also raises awareness about the many benefits of becoming a volunteer and the diverse volunteering roles available.

Pip Morrison, Westbank’s Volunteer Engagement Manager, said: ‘Volunteers’ Week is such an important time for our charity to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible efforts of our army of dedicated volunteers. 

‘They contribute a vast array of skills and experience, generously giving their time to support the individuals, families and communities we work with. We are so grateful for their time and commitment.’ 

Westbank is currently looking to recruit more volunteers for a whole range of different roles. The charity provides a full induction and training programme and ongoing support.

Launched in 1986, Westbank had just 24 volunteers.

Now it employs more than 250 members of staff and has 550 volunteers supporting thousands of people across Devon. 

It was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021.