The Daily Record Article:
West Lothian volunteer honoured for 30 years of helping people with dementia. Isobel Niven (81) from Livingston has worked at the Rosebery Day Centre for the past three decades.
A big-hearted woman who has been helping people with dementia for 30 years has been rewarded for all her hard work.
Isobel Niven (81) from Livingston has worked at the Rosebery Day Centre for the past three decades and has received a well-deserved Volunteer Award from The Centre, Livingston, in recognition of her outstanding work in the community.
The Award, which has been running for many years, is part of The Centre, Livingston ‘Support in the Community’ initiative, which pays tribute to people who have given up their time to help others and present them with a framed, personalised certificate and £100 Gift Card.
Over the years, so many fantastic people in the community have been rewarded for their efforts and invited into the shopping centre to receive their Award.
The Centre, Livingston was delighted to welcome their latest volunteer in Isobel, who turned 81 years of age this year, following the nomination by her granddaughter, Ashley.
Her story stood out for everyone at the shopping centre, especially as she’s been helping people at least once a week, from preparing food to organising activities and games.
The Rosebery Centre for Dementia Care, based in Polbeth, was founded in 1985 to provide daycare and support for people with dementia and their families. They also have a Befriending Service to help combat loneliness and reduce social isolation, and they are looking to recruit volunteers.
Ashley said: “I nominated my gran as she always feels she doesn’t deserve to be recognised for the brilliant work she does helping others. She is always so humble.
“It’s been lovely to see her being awarded by The Centre, Livingston. “She’s always thinking of others. Not only has she always supported us and been our constant but she’s also been there for service users for the last 30 years – we all know not to try contacting her on a Tuesday as it’s her ‘day centre day’!
Isobel said: “I got involved at the centre when it was originally Craigshill Day Centre. My father, who had dementia, was a service user, and I used to attend family/carer meetings. When he passed away, I decided to start volunteering.
“I really enjoy caring, listening to, and supporting those who attend The Rosebery and helping to organise activities for the service users. It’s so nice to see them all joining in.
“Being a volunteer is very rewarding and satisfying, and it has become part of my life – I’m very grateful to be presented with an award from The Centre, Livingston for doing something I really love.”
Anne Marson, Manager at the centre, said: “I started my role as Manager at the Rosebery Centre 10 years ago, which is when I met Isobel, one of the volunteers at the time. “I couldn’t believe at that point she had been helping out for 20 years.
“Since then, she has continued to support the day centre every Tuesday, offering support and most of all friendship to our members who have dementia, which she has very good understanding of.
“She is very deserving of this Award – thank you Isobel for your 30 years as a volunteer – you’re amazing.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “It was fantastic to shine a light on Isobel and present her with our Volunteer Award in recognition of the incredible volunteering work she has been doing for the last three decades to help people with dementia.
“We are always looking for wonderful people like Isobel who deserve to be rewarded for giving up their time to help others.
If you know anyone, please get in touch so that we can give them a much-deserved £100 Gift Card to treat themselves and present them with a personalised certificate.” Nominations for a Volunteer Award can be email to enquiries@thecentrelivingston.com.
Start your own volunteer journey.
If you wish to start your own volunteer journey, please contact the Rosebery Centre Manager, Anne Marson, (telephone: 01506 870 651 or email roseberycentre@outlook.com).
