Walsall volunteers are being recognised for their efforts to empower others with self-care tools and techniques, as the national spotlight falls on the important roles they play.

This Volunteers’ Week, which runs 2-8 June, Diana Mason and Lucy Adams are sharing their experience of helping people who are living with long term health conditions – delivering courses which cover topics such as coping with pain, diabetes management, healthy eating and exercise.

Born and raised in Canada, Diana tried her hand at different careers when she first moved to Walsall in 1996 –  initially working two part-time jobs as a cleaner and a lollipop lady, and later providing respite care for parents while employed by the Mencap charity. She then worked for a lock-manufacturer before retiring in 2001.

She was later signposted to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Self Care Management Service by a friend.

The 79-year-old explained: “I’d been living with heart, kidney and spinal issues, but by attending the Self Care Management Programme, I found ways to cope with my symptoms, and to keep on living a fulfilling life.”

She later became aware of an opportunity to become a volunteer tutor and signed up to the training.

The great grandmother said: “I wanted to do something meaningful, while also meeting new people.

“To be a tutor you must understand what it means to be living with a long-term health condition. Many conditions are invisible, and, as tutors, nobody knows that more than us. It enables you to have empathy.”

Lucy, age 38, is a full-time carer for her youngest daughter Macy, who has a a rare genetic condition. She sought help from the programme designed especially for carers.

The mum-of-two said: “Being a carer can be quite isolating, but through the course I connected with others who recognised my situation, and was made to feel so welcome.”

Since joining the team of tutors in 2024, she has been able to fit her “flexible” volunteering role around her caring commitments.

“I’m a carer first and foremost, but at times I felt like I’d lost my identity. I was Mum, but I wasn’t Lucy. As a Volunteer Tutor I’ve been able to do something for me, while still helping others. It’s given me a different purpose, and a real sense of achievement.”

Striving to provide “individualised support”, the duo help patients to develop their own coping mechanisms.

“It’s doing practical things like making action plans,” Lucy explained.  “It’s also providing tips, for example on the diabetes course we help to break down food labels and what they mean.

“As volunteers we’re accredited, so I’d recommend it as a great way to gain skills. I’ve added a new string to my bow.”

Diana added: “Being a volunteer is so rewarding, and I’ve made great friends along the way.”

Programmes run all year round, in person and online, at different venues around Walsall.

Learn more at http://walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/self-care-management-team/