I’M Rachael Kydd, I’m 29 and I volunteer for CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) in the garden team at Robin House in Balloch.
I have always lived close to the hospice and support it with local functions and events. My first visit to Robin House was an open day held every year called Bring a Bulb. It’s a wonderful event inviting the local community to come and lend a hand and explore the beautiful space.
I was anxious on this first visit, given the nature of the house, but that didn’t last long. I left thinking what a beautiful, bright, happy place it was
and feeling that I wanted to do more to help. I looked into volunteering the next day and quickly decided the garden was for me.
I see the garden as such an important part of the hospice, allowing children and their families privacy to enjoy time outdoors. A garden full of imagination and adventure.
A few months into my time here, I still discover new surprises.
Volunteering in the garden is great for those who have limited time to give. I work full-time in hospitality so days off can sometimes be tricky, but my work has given me a regular Thursday off so that I can volunteer.
On my first day, thousands of bulbs were kindly donated and my next few visits mainly involved getting as many of these planted, always with the good company of a friendly robin. Come spring, the garden will be bursting with colour thanks to all those who attend the Bring a Bulb open day.
For the past two weeks I’ve been working on a project in the garden with my dad. He is an experienced dry stone dyker and is giving his time and skills for free. We are working with the other dedicated garden volunteers to finish off a stone seating area in the bottom of the garden.
It’s incredibly rewarding and enjoyable to be learning something new and doing something like this together with my dad. It’s an honour to be building something long-lasting for the families at Robin House.
Even now in this colder weather, the garden is still being enjoyed by all. There is something for everyone, from a living willow maze and a pirate ship to calm areas to relax and reflect. From day one I’ve felt so welcome and encouraged by staff and fellow volunteers.
I had no previous gardening experience but that’s never been an issue.
Volunteering really can be for anyone, – any age, experience or background – whether you have a little or a lot of time to give. It gives you the opportunity to meet other like-minded people, learn new skills and make a difference to children and their families’ time here together.
To find out more about volunteering with CHAS, go to www.chas.org.uk/volunteer
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