Harold began volunteering at Caulfield 12 months ago on a casual basis, preferring to go in unannounced on the weekend every week.
Harold spent 6 months in hospital in 1993 after a car accident left him with a C6 incomplete injury. During that time and in the first year at home, while he was problem solving in regards to a largely inaccessible house, building his strength and skills he thinks that it would’ve been really helpful to talk to someone with similar experiences.
“It’s a catastrophic change of life, both physically and emotionally.”
“I think I’ve got something to give back. When I had my injury I had no one to talk to… Seeing people getting on with life and achieving things is sure to help.” And he’s had an overwhelmingly positive reception from patients, who he says, are very happy to talk and they often will light up when he mentions he’ll see them the following week. He remains amazed at the positive outlook many patients can maintain.
He enjoys meeting all sorts of people from different backgrounds and connecting with them on common ground. He says that the experience of mentoring has increased his awareness of the full extent of the upheaval he went through, reconnecting to that in a positive way to help those he meets with. Patience, the importance of seeking assistance and looking beyond the horizon to what can be are all qualities that he believes are important during the recovery phase.
To remain positive and to be a good listener without judging are what Harold believes to be the most important skills for a mentor. Along with that is the ability to be resourceful in answering questions, and to maintain a continuity of contact with patients. He also believes the ability to approach potentially delicate subjects such as bladder and bowel concerns is a must. Over his time there he’s learnt when to stand back and a sense of timing when approaching patients.
His advice for people thinking of mentoring is to try it out, it’s not for everyone, it most of all requires great people skills. All going well it can intangibly give you an enormous amount back.
