Volunteering is very good for you!

Here is a great blog about our exhibition and why Nikki Mansell enjoyed being part of our annual exhibition.

Hi, my name is Nikki and I first moved to Axminster 5 months ago. I began volunteering at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre about three months ago as I thought it would be a great way to meet people in my new hometown as well as an opportunity to find out what the centre is about. As part of my voluntary work, I was asked if I would be willing to help out at the Exhibition, which I was more than happy to do. Having previously lived 200 miles away, this was my first experience of the Exhibition and I was looking forward to learning more about the types of therapies offered within the Centre.

On the day itself, I arrived half an hour before the doors opened to the public to see the final touches being added to everyone’s stalls. I spent my day running the raffle stall in aid of the Wishing Well Cancer Support Group alongside another volunteer, Bryan, who was giving out free hand massages to anyone who wanted them. I met so many different people and enjoyed talking to them all, and it was nice when I spoke to quite a few who are originally from the same county as I am – every one of them said how welcoming the people of Axminster had been when they first arrived. I agree wholeheartedly with them! There was a really lovely relaxed atmosphere in the Guildhall and the lovely scents from the essential oils being used, as well as the lavender products just a couple of stalls away added to that. In fact, I felt so relaxed during my lunch break that I could have fallen asleep if I hadn’t wanted to look around before getting back to selling raffle tickets! The best part of the day for me though, was seeing those who had sampled treatments, or had a free hand massage walking away looking so relaxed and happy. I know everyone I spoke with who had sampled a treatment said how much they had enjoyed it and that they felt so much better for having it. I guess that really encapsulates what the centre is all about and I am very much looking forward to sampling some of the many treatments on offer here as a result of both finding out more about the treatments themselves, and seeing the positive effect they had on the people who sampled them.

By the end of the day, I felt tired but really pleased with how well the raffle ticket sales had gone. I am really looking forward to getting involved again next year, and I will be putting my hand up to run the raffle again as I loved how many people I met and also being able to spread the word about the Wishing Well project as I believe it is a fantastic cause. Thank you to everyone at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre for giving me the opportunity to take part in the event! 

Could you use a food bank?

The following blog was written by a food bank client from the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre. This person would like to remain anonymous but we are very thankful for their wonderful feedback.

A donation from a  local school


"I recently found myself in a position where I had no money and no one I could ask for help so that I could buy food to keep me going until my next pay day came round. I struggled on for as long as I could but, in the end, I realised that I would have to swallow my pride and go into the local food bank to see if they could help me out. I initially felt very awkward asking for help as I am so fiercely independent but, everyone I spoke to in relation to getting help was so lovely that I very quickly stopped worrying about it. I was concerned about being able to get the types of foods I am able to eat as I have to really watch my diet and, even though I felt like I was asking too much, they were very helpful in understanding the types of food I can have so that they could put my food parcel together. I was very impressed with how vigilant everyone was about food intolerances and allergies as well. When I collected my food parcel a couple of days later, I was again treated so well and the quantity of food they supplied me with was amazing and easily kept me going until I got paid again. I cannot fault the staff running the food bank and I feel that I can’t thank them enough for all of the lovely food they gave me. It is very clear to see that they genuinely care about helping people in need and taking away the one of the worries they have to deal with. If I know of anyone who needs help I will definitely send them down to Canned Sunshine at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre. And if I need help again in the future, I will definitely go back and speak to them. Thank you, Canned Sunshine, you are awesome!"

A food bank volunteer making up supplies

If you would like to help with our food bank or give a donation please come into the Centre and have a chat or phone 01297 32331 and see what differences you could make.