I also learnt alot from ringing that helpline and not about the topic i rang about.

I truley understand now whilst manning the helpline at work how desperate or how much courage somebody has had to muster up just to pick the phone up.

Well done to you for enquiring about volunteering. You are so right about finding the strength to support others. For me it is about supporting humans to support other humans. I work for the Alzheimers society and manage a Dementia Supoprt Service I come across so many people daily that do not know which way to turn next, knowing that that 1 phone call made to us we have been able to make a little differance is so rewarding, there is not a day after umpteem years that i don't learn something new. i am still now known to shed a tear after a difficult vist or sad phone call, but thats ok because we are only human after all

Again well done and good luck with it all

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That's admirable of you to be involved with the DSS in the capacity that you are and you wouldn't be human if you didn't care enough to connect at times in the way you do, after the call. Takes great strength to do what you do and I genuinely mean this. For me, it wouldn't be my niche and think it's important to, in offering support, go with the cause we carry inside that fuels our passion as well as our tears. I recently watched a documentary about a project who worked with abused children and the pioneer said to the members of her team, 'the day you stop crying for these children is the day you know your heart is no longer in what we do here' or to that affect- it is so true.

I recently worked on a text and email service supporting girls and women who self harm and whilst I'm continuing to pursue my vocation, thought perhaps to support humans who lose their pets would add to helping to grow and develop in my listening skills as well as give me new experience in bereavement support. We shall see which door opens for my feet to be planted at such a time as this as I have applied to some other agencies.

All credit to you and I mean this, not all could do what you do- it takes a U nique person as like yourself

thankyou for that it means alot I have been working with people with dementia and their carers for the last 16 years and it is so true what you say. The day you stop feeling is the day you get out!!

you sound a very caring and sensative person with that alone you will go far supporting others.

i am lucky what I do is second nature, i was born to do this work and I am lucky that going to work each day is a pleasure despite the sadness.

i do not deal with bearevement well hence like you say knowing your strengths and building on them. I hope like me you find your niche soon and you never know it could be this

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