“Seems like a long time ago but was only a few short months ago, I was experiencing some considerable anxiety since retiring from a stressful job (I was doing social work for a Government funded program for some years).

I had no desire to find paid work as I was a full-time carer for my daughter Allana, who is now 30 years old.

She is currently not working. I addressed my anxiety by attending counselling and Carer Gateway carer group sessions – which I found useful and pleasant.

Then I was introduced to Shauna. She is an amazing, caring, busy, knowledgeable woman and I enjoyed talking to her until she mentioned ‘work’ (… ) I was still anxious about the prospect.

So, she suggested volunteering first and then later when I was more comfortable, maybe consider paid work. I started volunteer work at an Anglicare nursing home but found it was not really for me.

I then commenced volunteer work at the Grenville Hub in Elizabeth, South Australia.

What a great bunch of caring people work there I must say!!

Shauna was spot on when she said I would enjoy mixing with people my age there too.

I am now in a totally stress-free place, serving some wonderful older people coffee and cakes – never did I ever do this before – so I am learning new skills and I am very happy here at The Hub.

My experience with Your Caring Way has certainly added a new dimension of value to my life. I can imagine myself volunteering here for many years to come!

I would probably welcome paid work one day as I now have no anxiety about work in the future.

My daughter is also talking about a future for her place ‘at work’ somewhere, now that I am happy – it is contagious!”