Following a 47-year career with Resthaven, Lesley continues on as a volunteer
‘I love walking through those doors,’ Resthaven volunteer Lesley Wimbles says of the entrance at Resthaven Malvern. ‘I know that I’m in for a treat when I have a day of volunteering ahead of me.’
The site is well-known to Lesley, who worked there as a Housekeeping Services Assistant for more than 47 years before retiring earlier this year.
‘I always said to my husband “I won’t just be able to walk away”,’ Lesley says. ‘Volunteering allows me to stay involved with greater flexibility for our travel adventures. I really look forward to volunteering.’
In her volunteering role with Resthaven Malvern, Lesley devotes more time and focus to enriching social connections with residents and helping out with group activities as needed.
‘The first time I went back, a couple of the residents got excited because they thought I had come back to work,’ Lesley laughs. ‘They are pleased to hear about my new role and know we will continue to see each other.’
New residents are often at the top of Lesley’s list to visit, as well as regulars who she always checks in on.
‘I try to get around to as many people as possible,’ Lesley says. ‘It’s nice to share details of my life with the residents. They know I have a few grandchildren, and they ask after them. Our son was recently married, and one lady in particular wanted to know what I wore to the wedding. I brought in my dress to show her and she said to me “you’ve really made my day bringing that in”.’
Lesley says that volunteering after retirement was always in her plan.
‘Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose, and at the end of the day, I feel like I have done “something good”,’ Lesley says. ‘I like seeing residents. We enjoy each other’s company and catching up.’
For anyone thinking about volunteering with Resthaven, Lesley says ‘absolutely – go for it!’.
‘It is so rewarding, and you can make a real difference in the lives of others,’ Lesley says.
Resthaven welcomes more people to volunteer and enrich the lives of older people. If you or someone you know would enjoy connecting through volunteering, we would like to connect with you. Share Lesley’s story and spread the word.
For more information, call Volunteer Services on 8373 9036, email volunteer@resthaven.asn.au or visit the Resthaven Volunteering webpage.