Anne's Story Last year, Annes daughter who now lives in England, contacted the centre to make a Caring Soles footcare appointment for her mum. Anne explained that she now lived on her own following her husbands death and how lonely she felt as her family and friends had all moved away. Our volunteer outlined the wide range of activities on offer at the Eric Liddell Centre and Anne was interested in hearing more about our Seated Exercise Class and discussed this over a cup of tea with the volunteer after her treatment. When Anne found out that the class would help with her balance and movement, she booked herself a place straight away.
Anne used to volunteer in the Eric Liddell Centre in the early 1990s, helping to run the lunch club which provided many local people with a warm welcome and meal, that would have been difficult for them to prepare at home. She made and brought in her own home-made soup twice a week. Anne also attended the Eric Liddell Centres activity programme and was a regular participant.
When Anne arrived for that first appointment, she spoke fondly of her volunteering memories at the Eric Liddell Centre. Anne warmed to the Caring Soles volunteer, who listened intently to Annes recollections about the Centre 20 years ago - she felt delighted to be taking care of Annes feet. Anne explained that she felt rather awkward having someone else doing her feet and how frustrated she was that she is no longer able to reach and care for her feet.
Our trained volunteer provided the footcare treatment that was needed, while also listening and having a friendly chat this helped to re-establish a link to the outside world for Anne, who had become lonely and isolated. Anne now attends a Caring Soles footcare appointment every 3 months and has become a regular attendee of Seated Exercise. Her daughter feels happy that her mum is getting some support with her feet, is now getting out more and making new friends.