What Linda says on volunteering...

                   Linda Farnham Volunteer Receptionist Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre

In February 2016 I saw an ad seeking reception volunteers at the centre. I had just given up work & liked the idea of being a receptionist. I have always enjoyed being in a face to face environment and this sounded perfect for me. I rang the centre and spoke to Aynsley and was invited to pop in for a chat. The centre had a very welcoming atmosphere and after agreeing a regular shift I agreed to start the following week. I must admit it was all a bit daunting on my first session – I had to answer the phone, transfer calls and meet & greet. But after the second week I felt fine.

I have met so many interesting people, have learnt so much about the local community and feel part of a team. Everyone is friendly. I was astonished to find out how much charities rely on volunteers. This centre virtually runs on volunteer help from reception to food bank. The three centre managers are really lovely and obviously care a great deal about their work and the local community.

My Friday mornings as receptionist –

I arrive at about 9.25 where I meet the duty manager. We generally have a chat about anything really and then I take my seat at reception.  On my days I usually have specific tasks to perform which suits me, however if you don’t want to do any tasks it is fine as long as there is some-one to meet and greet, answer the phone, offer visitors a drink

I enjoy doing little projects or tasks. I have drafted letters for funding, posted ‘events’ on Facebook pages of local groups, contacted local interest groups with a view to presenting at our Wishing Well group.

During my morning there are times when the phone rings a lot and then nothing for ages. The reception area can be a hustle and bustle of visitors and then all peace and quiet but that is what I like – a bit unpredictable.

I generally work until 1.30pm when another volunteer comes in and takes over.

Since starting in February I have found that I look forward to Friday mornings, a reason to get up earlier and not wear my old working clothes, style my hair and apply my make-up. I also feel more fulfilled and part of the local community.

Life is too short for maybe’s so give it a try and I am sure you too will enjoy it.

If you would like to be a volunteer please pop into the Centre or give us a ring on 01297 32331 for more information as we would love to hear from you. 

Hypnotherapy - Therapy of the month

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy – Deborah Pearce

Debbie works with clients who are looking for a more enjoyable experience of life.  This may mean working with clients to reduce anxiety, or to help clients get a better night's sleep or to help clients become more confident. It may mean getting rid of unhelpful fears or phobias, or taming your 'inner critic'.

Debbie practises Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, which means that rather than focusing on problems Debbie encourages you to identify solutions that will work for you. Debbie’s approach utilises Solution Focused Brief Therapy techniques, encouraging the client to adopt a more positive outlook on life. Call Debbie on 01404 813388 or 07939 840788 or email dpearcehypno@gmail.com

How can hypnotherapy help?

STRESS

It’s not always easy to remove the source of the pressure or challenges that you face. It may be that you are stressed because of work pressures or illness in the family. Hypnotherapy can help you, though, by helping you to cope so much better. Remember, it’s not the situation you find yourself in that is causing you stress, it’s your response to it. By using Solution Focused techniques, we can help you to formulate a better way of coping with your situation. We help you to visualise your preferred future so that your sub-conscious mind has a positive template to work with. By responding to external pressures in a calmer, more positive way, stress-related symptoms often improve. Life can, indeed, be fun.

SLEEP

Anxiety is a common cause of insomnia, and of course worrying that you’re not sleeping only makes the problem worse. It’s not long before a vicious cycle sets in and the harder you try the more elusive sleep becomes. It can be really debilitating and can seriously impair a person’s ability to function normally or enjoy life.

Hypnotherapy can help insomnia sufferers by addressing the underlying anxiety, often caused by work, relationship, health or financial worries. Ruminating on problems serves to amplify their significance and even small issues can get out of proportion in the middle of a sleepless night.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Now, hypnotherapy isn't a magic wand. You won't be able to lose weight unless you change what you eat or take more exercise, preferably both. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you find the motivation for making the necessary changes. It is a modern research-based combination of psychotherapy techniques and hypnosis, aimed at encouraging you to focus on how you want things to be. We avoid problem-talk and instead help you to visualise your preferred future. There's a huge difference between saying 'I don't want to binge on a whole packet of doughnuts' and 'I am going to eat healthy and nutritious food'.

Hypnotherapy can help you address the underlying stresses that get in the way of you making appropriate choices around food and exercise. But it can only help if you make an effort to do something different, so be prepared for change. And be prepared for steady, sustainable weight loss, rather than a quick fix. By dealing with the underlying issues that get in the way of managing your weight, you'll feel motivated to make more helpful choices about food and exercise.

Please also contact Debbie for Anxiety, Motivation, Confidence, Phobias, Blood pressure, calmer Childbirth and much more.

deborahpearce.co.uk