Music to their ears

Whatever someone’s skills and interests, their time is of value to us. Alan Hendley has been a Blue Cross volunteer for over two years and in his spare time raises money for the charity in a rather different way. “I visit residential homes for the elderly in and around Torquay where I talk and mingle with them and play their favourite records.”

Alan’s brand of music and mingling has proven to be a big hit in the region; he has raised £1,200 in two years for The Blue Cross, through donations from the care home organisations. “Volunteering is important to me. Some of the elderly residents don’t have visitors so it’s nice to go along, talk to them and provide some entertainment too. It makes a real impact,” he adds.

Alan loves the way people react to his visits: “It’s good for the care home and great for the residents because they can look forward to a night of their favourite music, like old wartime songs. Not to my taste as I’m a punk fan, so that’s the one down side! “The Blue Cross is really supportive of my work and makes me feel valued. It’s great to feel like you’re making a difference, and I’d encourage everyone to do the same.”