Meet one of OSF’s youngest volunteers, Simran

Simran Rai became one of OSF’s youngest volunteers when she joined us during her university placement year;

“Walking my dog Coco, a Chiweenie (a Dachshund/Chihuahua cross) in a park near my home in Haverhill in summer 2023, I came across an OSF stand at a family day event. I had just completed my second year at university and my third was a ‘placement year’ working full time before returning to the University of York for my final year.

The placement made good use of my time as I was spending it in the laboratories of a biotech company, working alongside scientists, in preparation for my degree and  eventual career in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology.  My spare time was limited, as I was also making use of my Black Belt in Karate by instructing younger people in my club. I’ve been with the club for ten years and enjoy being an informal teacher.

Even so, after talking with the volunteers on the OSF stand I decided I could spare two hours a week for the charity, especially as volunteering would contribute towards my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, which I now have.

We decided on an hour walking a dog for Sam, who was unable to exercise her pet, and the other taking Coco to visit  Joyce, a lonely, housebound elderly lady.  Both live in Haverhill so I didn’t need to travel far.

One of the rewarding aspects of helping Sam was being able to liaise with OSF to find someone to take her dog to the vet when it became ill. I could not take it due to my working hours and our client was becoming very distressed when it was not getting any better.  It was a great relief to her when the dog was successfully treated, and we could resume our walks. Fortunately, before I returned to university she became able to pay for a dog walker.

Visiting Joyce with Coco was very rewarding, as helping to alleviate loneliness is so important to mental health. I’ve now seen for myself the improvement in clients’ mental health when they have the opportunity to chat with volunteers, and if it is their dog who is being walked, to see it return happy and stimulated.

Coco loved his outings to Joyce and the attention and biscuits he received. Joyce liked to hear about my life, and frequently asked for my opinion on something. But at the same time, she helped me with her opinions and wisdom. She lived alone with the help of a carer and visits from a daughter, but eventually went into a care home. Coco and I were allowed to visit her there, and initially saw her in her room then later on in the lounge.  The other residents benefited from seeing him and he went from person to person for treats.

When I have completed my studies I would very much like to resume volunteering with OSF, providing I don’t need to move out of the charity’s catchment area for my career. In the meantime I will help if possible during my remaining uni holidays as both Coco and I will miss our involvement. Fortunately I am continuing with Karate at university so despite my studies, will remain fit for the dog walking!”

If you feel inspired by Simran’s story, click here to see more information about volunteering with Our Special Friends.