Impact1217

Help Other People
For the last fi ve years I have
volunteered at 127th St Chad’s
Brownies.
Both my daughters loved
their time in Girlguiding as
Rainbows, Brownies and then Guides
at St Chad’s – it was something
they could do outside of school, an
opportunity to make new friends and
have new experiences.
Initially I wanted to give something
back so I went as a parent helper
“doing my bit”, but actually it didn’t
take long for me to realise that I was
enjoying myself too and now I’m one
of the Brownie leaders there.
At Brownies we play games, do
crafts, complete challenges to earn
badges, go on pack holidays and
generally HAVE FUN!
After a day at work, I find it’s a
chance to switch off and be a bit silly
but know I’m offering girls adventure,
fun, friendship and a space to be
themselves.
Beth Turton
To fi nd out more, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk
St Chad’s Befrienders are a
small team who visit people
who may be housebound,
lonely or in need of a
good chat. Here are a few
examples of how they use their gifts.
On an early visit one visitor asked if
the new friend came from that area to
discover both were born there giving
a common bond! Many said being an
active listener was invaluable to help
coax a chat along and encourage a
conversation sometimes helped by
a local Sheffi eld book. Some tell of
times when praise and encouragement
help bring joy or when a displayed
photo led to an enlightened personal
story. Another shared of a time she
received a tearful farewell for the
kindness shown for giving time to visit
a forgetful lady. All Befrienders do rely
on patience as they faithfully continue
their monthly visits sharing love, joy
and friendship. I thank God for their
gifts.
Yvonne Smith
To find out more, visit www.stchads.org/
befrienders
St Chad’s Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats
Church Offi ce: Linden Avenue, Sheffi eld S8 0GA
Tel: (0114) 274 5086
Page 15
email: offi ce@stchads.org
website: www.stchads.org