“Getting to build meaningful connections with the clients over the course of the summer was the best part of the job. I truly enjoyed getting to know the unique personalities they all had. By getting to know them, I was able to study the characteristics that made them who they are.”
Here is the story of Antayla, one of our volunteers who engaged with clients at Timber Creek Tertiary psychiatric facility.
My time at Timber Creek Tertiary
Over the summer, I was given the opportunity to work at Timber Creek Tertiary, a psychiatric facility located in Surrey, British Columbia. Over the course of the 10 weeks that I worked there, I gained an immense amount of experience, as well as learned many invaluable life lessons that I will continue to carry throughout my life.
Every day at Timber Creek was unique, in the sense that the schedule was always changing. Although it was initially difficult to adjust to the dynamics of an ever-changing schedule, this job pushed me out of my comfort zone, and allowed me to develop a sense of flexibility when adjusting to new routines. It also gave me the opportunity to partake in a variety of different tasks such as participating in community meetings, taking the clients on morning walks, and encouraging them to participate in different programs such as bingo, drop-in, and gardening. In addition to participating in those activities, I was also able to assist in developing and facilitating programs for the clients.
During my time at Timber Creek, I was able to run a baking program every Monday where a few clients and I would go over the fundamentals of baking while making a dessert together. Then, we would serve the dessert the next day to the other clients during drop in. Furthermore, I was also able to help facilitate the ladies’ group that occurred once a week. During the ladies’ group, myself and two other volunteers would gather a few clients and spend time with them. Sometimes we would bake together, do light exercises such as stretching or even have a pamper day where we painted their nails and taught them how to do facial massages. During these groups we also tried to encourage self-care practices by having discussions about good hygiene habits. This was especially important since some clients struggled with these tasks.
My takeaway from volunteering
As a shy and reserved individual, Timber Creek offered me many opportunities for personal growth, in particular to develop my social skills and build my confidence. Since this job required me to be quite sociable, I found myself always engaging in conversation with the clients and my co-workers. I was able to break out of my shell, and now feel more inclined to start conversations with others.
Getting to build meaningful connections with the clients over the course of the summer was the best part of the job. I truly enjoyed getting to know the unique personalities they all had. By getting to know them, I was able to study the characteristics that made them who they are. In an effort to get to know them better, I asked many questions, and tried to remember all the small details about them.
For example, one client that I became close with was a drummer and had spent much of his life studying music. At Timber Creek, I noticed that he spent most of his time coloring during drop-ins. Since I knew he enjoyed coloring and music, I tried to combine the two concepts and printed him coloring sheets related to music and drumming. When I presented him with these coloring sheets, he was gleaming from cheek to cheek. The happiness on his face was so heartwarming and rewarding and served as a reminder that it truly is the small things in life that make all the difference. Furthermore, my interactions with this client also inspired me to resume practicing the piano and ignited my passion for music again.
As I reflect upon this experience, I have come to realize that while my intention was to make a positive impact at Timber Creek, the impact and personal growth I received in return by far outweighed what I had imagined.
Antayla
Volunteer at Community Volunteer Connections
Community Volunteer Connections believes that volunteers, and organizations that support volunteerism, make a difference in the world.
Volunteers improve the health and well-being of communities by serving the needs of all people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
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