Volunteer Recommendations
 
"It was great to know that my being with you was appreciated at the weekend, I so enjoyed it. I was feeling at such a low ebb and somehow it gave me a different perspective which was what I needed. It was so good to be amongst sensitive people."
 
"Thanks for making me so welcome this weekend. I really enjoyed being there and it was a pleasure to give something back.  I promised I’d write a bit on volunteering, so here goes."

"I had been meaning to do something to support the work of the Mill for sometime, but never seemed to get round to it.  However, the idea persisted. I made it a New Year’s resolution to make the effort. So in February I went to work in the kitchen during an “Intimate Connections” course.  As I drove down the hill into the valley I got that familiar feeling of being at peace and knew I could be myself for a weekend and be accepted for who I am, warts an’ all.  I was also looking forward to meeting others who have an interest in emotional intelligence."

"I was not disappointed.  The work was tiring, but fun and rewarding.  It’s good to see the fruits of your labour being enjoyed, a feeling I don’t get too much elsewhere in life!!  The company was excellent, as you would expect, and the atmosphere supported some interesting self-reflection.  The start to each working day was a “check-in” – an opportunity to share what was going on for you internally.  If only we could all work like that."

"There was an opportunity for some free time, either to enjoy the surrounding countryside or pop to the famous bookshop at Cromford.  A bit of time to socialise off-site or just take a walk with the dog."

"I returned feeling just as good as I normally do after a relaxing weekend at home.  Peeling potatoes can be therapeutic as can the openness that prevails at the Mill. I was pleased to learn that you can volunteer for parts of a weekend, which would probably suit me better and I could visit more often on that basis. I would definitely recommend it and shall not take so long to make the decision next time."

"I honestly expected to be taking dogs for walks or shopping for an elderly person when the idea of doing some voluntary work came into my head last year.  I really do feel privileged to have been part of the mentor team on the residential.  It has changed my perspective and woken things asleep in me.  I am truly amazed at the difference we are all capable of making and made and never want to forget this. I have not had a cigarette for 4 days!"