Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

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6 results

Ariane Bayat, Avenue Child Contact Centre

Ariane was looking for opportunities to develop her experience and gain a counselling qualification.What she describes is finding so much more than that. It has proved to be a place that is both fulfilling, and mutually supportive....

Story: Ariane Bayat - Westcliff-On-Sea

Ian Maine, Avenue Child Contact Centre

Having used similar services years ago, even gives a unique insight into the value of a child contact centre, and how important it can be to reassure parents and children both during the visit, but also in maintaining the health of the longer term re...

Story: Ian Maine - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea

Lindy Pearman, Avenue Child Contact Centre

Lindy's connection to the Avenue Church, and previously with Southend Council Social Services, highlighted to her the importance of being involved with the Contact Centre. She has always volunteered with children and is also a carer in a dementia hom...

Story: Lindy Pearman - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea

This story is about:

  1. Children
  2. Community
  3. Families

20240511 131230Antony Stephenson, Avenue Child Contact Centre

Antony helps people in the community who could do with an extra hand. In his description of his volunteering at Avenue Child Contact, you can hear his determination and passion to help children and their families maintain relationships.   ...

Story: Antony Stephenson - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea

20240511 135552Hilary Collins, Avenue Child Contact Centre

Combining a career in nursing, and a personal faith, Hilary has been involved in the Child Contact Centre at Avenue Baptist Church since it began. Bringing a wealth of experience, Hilary is involved both in governance as a trustee, to hands on volun...

Story: Hilary Collins - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea

20240511 114334Nicolette Coleman, Avenue Child Contact Centre

Over twenty years after getting involved, Nicolette still enjoys every moment of her volunteering.   It’s not that it’s easy, or fun, it’s worthwhile. It makes a difference to the lives of the children and families that the service support...

Story: Nicolette Coleman - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea