Volunteering at River Garden

Elisabeth Hanson

I am Elisabeth Hanson, originally from Sweden (ABBA country). I originally visited the café with a friend last summer. She used to live in a cottage on the estate many years ago so it was a place which held lovely memories for her. My friend and I were greeted with a smile and open arms at the door of the cafe; and instantly made to feel welcomed.

I was only in for a cappuccino and a scone and, nearly a year later, I am still here! I have found my “vocation” as the dishwasher! Yes!! The simple but absolutely essential dishwasher. The friendly, appreciative residents who have become friends make my time at RGA a very happy place and I consider myself very lucky to have found this wonderful and life-changing community.

The friendliness, togetherness and non-hierarchy and vision of the trustees as a driving force is just amazing ... the smiles and open arms are still there and together may we all continue this fantastic journey for many years to come.

Alan Gorman

Volunteering can be a very satisfying and worthwhile endeavour, particularly if you feel you can make a difference from your efforts. Never more so than at River Garden, where with woodworking and woodturning skills as part of my skillset, I found the opportunity to become part of the major project to refurbish the existing woodworking workshop and to help it grow and develop into a thriving social enterprise.

With a passion for all things wooden, I have become immersed within the current refurbishment programme as well as in the interim, teaching residents woodturning at my own workshop in Ayr. Never before have I been so rewarded and fulfilled with the results that ensued. Similarly the progression of residents’ woodturning skills over the preceding months has been amazing to watch.

I have been exceptionally fortunate to have had the opportunity to volunteer in a charity that makes a difference to people’s lives and ultimately enhance and enrich their journey of rehabilitation and recovery.

Sandra Murphy

Having visited River Garden Café after reading its rave reviews, I decided to pay a visit to the grounds and Café. It did not disappoint. Being a coffee and cake connoisseur I was delighted... The customer service was excellent and everyone was so friendly. I chatted away to staff, volunteers and the residents, who were all so keen to tell me more about the project and share their stories.

I decided, without reservation, to become a volunteer and hoped they'd accept me. I was delighted when they did, and haven't looked back since. It's such a lovely place to work. I'm part of the bakery team and also work front of house a couple of times a week.

Being part of such a wonderful and happy team gives me a real sense of belonging. It brings fun and fulfilment to my life and connects me to my community.

For me personally, it's particularly satisfying to see residents do so well on this very unique programme, working tremendously hard to overcome their struggles to move on with their lives with renewed hope, vitality, health and a true sense of purpose and optimism. Although, I play a very small part, it's very rewarding to me to be part of such a worthwhile project.