Heartwarming words from our Volunteer Spotlight for June 2023, Sue Briggs
Sue has volunteered for us in a variety of roles. Following a recent volunteering experience, she was moved to write to us to let us know how she found the role. It was such an inspiring email that, with Sue's permission, we wanted to share her heartfelt words with you.
Read on to find out more about how Sue has made a difference to countless people living with diabetes, as well as finding a community of volunteers along the way.
Sue Briggs
"Whatever skills you have, there is a way to get involved."
Type 1 Family Weekends
"I'm a volunteer who's been involved for a number of years in the Type 1 Family Weekend Events. I've worked over the years with the programme for children with type 1, their siblings and more recently on the parents' programme. I have seen the value of these events from all sides. For the children with type 1, I saw how they grew over the weekend, for some doing their own injection for the first time, for all of them being 'normal' for a few days rather than the odd one out. They saw volunteers, most of whom have type 1, testing and injecting/adjusting pumps and coping with hypos. It was also good to see how the format of the weekend adapted the activities on offer to cater for children with different needs. For example, providing a quiet space at party time, and the volunteers recognised the needs of the individuals.
Many of the volunteers had themselves been on such weekends when they were children, and their willingness to share their own experiences in Q&A sessions also contributed a lot. The children saw and heard what it is like to live with type 1 and how this does not stop us doing things, wherever possible.
It was invaluable to work with the siblings to talk to each other and with volunteers who have siblings with type 1. They had time to talk to each other and share their experiences.
For many of the parents, it was the first time they had a chance to talk to other parents of children with type 1 so they didn't stop talking to each other! They were all at different stages since diagnosis, and the programme catered for their different needs. There was time to talk about the different tech available and to see volunteers using various equipment. The presence of Diabetes Specialise Nurses (DSNs), dieticians, and consultants alongside the volunteers gave them the reassurance they needed when they sent their children off for the day on Saturday. I also enjoyed providing the parents with some time to simply chat, while they had a go at weaving.
In addition to all of the above, I have become part of a community of volunteers who support each other both over the Type 1 Family Weekends, and throughout the year. I arrived at my first event from a position of isolation, after a later diagnosis (aged 53), knowing no one else with type 1.
"I saw the enthusiasm, normality, and mutual support that the team bought to the weekends and was welcomed in. It had a massive impact on my own management, as I recognised that perfection was impossible and my fluctuations in levels was perfectly normal."
Diabetes Support Forum
For many years I volunteered as Host on the Diabetes UK Support Forum. I moved to that from providing support on the phone and was reluctant to embrace this change initially. I very quickly saw why the Forum was a much more effective tool. The Forum reaches many people and provides support for the many 'lurkers' as well as the many active members. It is well moderated, which makes it a safe space in which to ask for help, provide support for others and also on occasions just to have a big (necessary) whinge about having diabetes. There is support for people with many types of diabetes, and a wealth of experience to tap into.
Maintaining Volunteers
I volunteer locally and nationally, in person and online. I'm able to provide talks, lessons in school, support the Diabetes UK induction programme and generally do 'what I can, when I can' for Diabetes UK. I have found that whatever I do is valued by the staff at the local and national office. Most importantly for me, I am never made to feel that I 'ought to do more' than I can. It's impossible to pinpoint why this works so well, but know that it is important.
I'm delighted to be able to draw on a variety of skills that I have developed from teaching, weaving, composing and singing, all utilised in fundraising and the voluntary work that I do. Whatever skills you have there is a way to get involved.
"I happily recommend volunteering for Diabetes UK to others, both for the help that we can give others, the training provided and for the friendship and support received by being part of such a great team."
You can also read more about Sue's experiences of living with type 1 diabetes and volunteering with us.
