Lou is ‘where she is meant to be’ volunteering as a chaplain with Resthaven Port Elliot
Each time she walks down the path towards Resthaven Port Elliot, with a fistful of flowers, Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant Lou Styles thinks to herself ‘Who shall I see first? Who will I get to talk with today?’.
‘I feel as though I am where I am meant to be,’ Lou says. ‘I am doing God’s calling. Serving others is serving God. I can come any day I want, so it really suits my lifestyle. I get to meet so many wonderful people, and it has become a big part of my life.’
Lou says that working with Dr Louise Townend, Coordinating Chaplain at Resthaven Port Elliot, has been both inspirational and eye-opening.
‘The way Louise takes the service, really interacting with the congregation, is lovely,’ Lou says.
‘She engages everyone and opens up about her own life, and I’ve been able to learn from that. It has made a real difference in my life and how I am at home as well – my whole attitude has lifted. I feel so blessed to be doing this role.’
In turn, Resthaven Port Elliot is blessed that Lou is a part of the team, for her approach and connection with residents.
Lou says that her volunteering role leaves her feeling encouraged.
‘Louise encourages me a lot,’ Lou says. ‘But also, the residents and staff. I enjoy having conversations with residents – we sometimes have big conversations about their lives, fears and religion – and it’s nice to hear their stories. We laugh and cry and hold hands. It’s a chance to really get to know people.’
‘Initially, I wasn’t sure how I was going to go and how I would fit in,’ Lou says. ‘I have been able to use my experiences and background. I was a hairdresser for more than 50 years, so I know how to talk! It’s important to me that people feel comfortable. I learned that if someone is looking you in the eye, even if they don’t have anything to say, then they are listening and feeling engaged. People will add to the conversation when they are ready.’
Lou says her ‘aha’ moment came when speaking with a group of residents, one of whom, due to dementia, did not talk that much.
‘There was a bit of a palaver, and I said as a joke “I need to go home for a large brandy after that!”,’ Lou says. ‘And the lady laughed out loud. It was such a huge moment.’
‘I encourage everyone to give volunteering a go,’ Lou says ‘It is a matter of exploring the right role for each individual. You will feel good and make a difference.
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.
For more information, call Volunteer Services on 8373 9036, email volunteer@resthaven.asn.au or visit the Resthaven Volunteering webpage.