Make a Difference

Geeza Break Marks Volunteers' week 2025

I have been a volunteer with Geeza break as a Respite Carer since December 2023.

Prior to this I worked in the Social Housing sector for 43 years, retiring in 2023. This allowed me to look at voluntary opportunities.

I learned about Geeza break through a friend who is employed by Geeza break, and the great work they do in the community.

Coming from the East end of Glasgow and my work experience in the area, I am also aware of the need for such a support service in that area.

Geeza Break Marks Volunteers' week 2025

I have found my time providing respite care very enjoyable and rewarding. It is a bit daunting to start with as with all new experiences. However, given the support of Geeza break, and other carers I know, advice and support are always a phone call away at any time.

Prior to the first respite session, I always meet the parent along with the Geeza break worker, including a visit to my home, which allows them to get to know me and see where their child will be staying etc., which gives them reassurance.

During the respite, especially for preschoolers, I often take them to a soft play or park, which lets them have some outdoor play time and burn off some energy. (This is always agreed in advance with the parent) I also sometimes meet up with another respite carer there which allows for peer play for the child.

Geeza Break Marks Volunteers' week 2025

During the sessions with the children, I am also mindful of the GIRFEC principles.

An example of this was a 4-year-old child who was quite nervous and withdrawn at the start of the respite sessions. By the end she was really looking forward to coming along and standing on the verandah waiting on me and waving when I picked her up on a Friday.

During the sessions the child got so used to their routine and would 'prompt' me after dinner for her bath and after playing with the toys and games, watching cartoons etc., she would choose a book and get herself cosy on the couch for stories.

It is really rewarding to see positive behavioral signs from the child as the respite progresses, however small, and to see them get to know and trust you.

Geeza Break marks Volunteers' Week 2025.

"After attending a Geeza Chance group as a participant, starting to volunteer alongside Geeza Chance has been the best experience I've ever had in my life. It all started from being a young person in Kinship Care myself. I had low self-esteem and was not very confident. I was about 12 when I started a group for the first time, and taking part in the group slowly gave me confidence and showed me that there were a lot of young people experiencing the same situation I was in. I didn't feel so alone anymore as they could understand me. I gained more confidence and started to feel better about myself.

Over the years I've gotten to work alongside all different types of personalities and all different type of situations that have taught me many skills that help me in my day-to-day life. For example, my first aid training, defibrillator training and my volunteering role helped me get my Duke of Edinburgh whilst I was in school. I'm committed to my volunteering and enjoy being part of the team supporting the young person's support worker and other staff. I am helping others, and I see a lot of quiet young people come to the groups and see their confidence grow and they are more comfortable being there and taking part. I get to see them take steps forward, which is amazing. We take them on trips to experience something new and see how they push themselves to always try new things. I still learn new things from the young people all the time! Like me years before, I can see after all the sessions that it's made a difference in everyone's lives. They have made new friends, gained new skills and had a better understanding of themselves, their emotions, and the others in the groups. The group has given us all a safe, encouraging place to flourish with support always being there to guide us."

– Nathen, Volunteer at Geeza Break