Resident led community building: A personal perspective

We have been extending our range of volunteer opportunities at ExtraCare, to create a more collaborative and empowering approach to befriending. Since 2021, we have launched new resident-led “Community Teams” in our villages. Here, residents can take the lead in coordinating befriending support and community events, with the help of local staff (see details here). Doing this, our teams have helped other residents take steps to integrate more meaningfully into their community.

Here, resident Liz Cole shares her experience coordinating the Community Team at Earlsdon Park Village.

Why did you take on this role, Liz?
“It was a hands-on role, and I love speaking with people. To know that I would have the opportunity to enrich other people’s lives – that really bought me. At this stage of life, what is better to do than that? There is nothing better.

We’re all in it together, for whatever length of time we’re here (which may be short), so just give! Just give to each other – that’s it. Experience the joy of giving. Taking on a role like this felt a great thing personally. It’s a really good feeling.”

What potential do you think our new Community Teams have, to improve residents’ experiences in the village?
“You’ve got to remember that people come into the village for so many different reasons. And those reasons are not always the best. Some people come here after experiencing a loss or tragedy. And they come into a strange new environment that they’re unfamiliar with. So, the potential of our volunteer team in that situation is big – really big – for someone’s lifestyle.

Just think, to have someone reach out, come to your door, and offer some kindness – it can make such an impact. It’s a blessing for me to be invited in to speak with the residents I reach out to. And also for them – they know that there are people here looking out for them. There are people who can be an anchor for them in this new place – that’s big.

If people feel that they are in a community where there is a life to move forwards with, and that they’ll be helped to make that happen – that’s a big thing.”