Sometimes the most powerful volunteers are those who have walked the same path as the people they support. In this case study, we hear directly from Barry, a volunteer with the Cardiac Rehabiltation Team at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, who began their journey after experiencing a heart attack themselves.
In their own words, they share how volunteering has helped them give back and support others on the road to recovery.
Cardiac Rehabilitation – Barry’s Story
I’ve been volunteering for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team since 2014, mainly at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, following a heart attack.
My journey with cardiac rehab began in hospital before I’d even been treated, Jenny came into the ward as Cardiac Rehab Nurse, introduced herself and explained her place in the scheme of things. Her manner was professional, gentle with a touch of humour at a time when like many I was worried if not frightened about the future. I have found this to be a common feature of all the staff and one I cannot commend too highly. It felt then as though there would be support in place - very reassuring.
On discharge I was given a book relating to each stage of rehabilitation, it also contained exercises to follow and crucially a place for notes on progress or observations, in addition a relaxation CD which has proved to be invaluable…I still use it regularly! I joined the rehab classes a few weeks later.
It was a bit daunting turning up for the first time, but the volunteer, John, along with Jenny and Glen made me very welcome. Meeting others with heart conditions allowed for some bonding, realising that we all had something very similar in common, a broad cross-section of patients who became friends together, in effect, a club that no-one really wants to join but we were all grateful for! The process can’t be underestimated as having this time was so positive.
John explained his heart history and that allowed patients to see that, well, yes, there is a return to a new normal life on the cards. Something that I now do if a patient asks about my history. I have found that some find it easier to talk to a volunteer on a casual basis as it feels less official than a nurse. Anxiety I’m supposing is at the back of this, like me, they all come to rehab somewhat apprehensive, and it is the team’s responsibility to be welcoming, approachable, rebuild confidence and show that they can move on with their lives, the staff all do this magnificently.
How did I become a volunteer?
Some while after I’d left rehab, Jenny contacted me to ask if I would cover the volunteer role of John who was off on holiday for a couple of months. I said yes straight away! John’s return coincided with an increase in patient numbers and Jen asked if I’d like to stay on… many years later I’m still here and gained a very good friend in John, my volunteer colleague, too.
At first the role included less contact with patients in the gym but a need for a few tea and coffee making skills, washing up and tidying up, it was always great fun!
After covid the catering side was no more: however, we now work more with patients in the gym helping them through their rehab program and hopefully offering some support along the way.
Following the gym session, a member of staff gives a talk about some aspect of heart health on a rolling basis, medicines, coping with stress, diet, the heart itself, exercise and so on are covered. This can often lead into a forum where patients ask questions or discuss some aspect of their own heart journey, which again is very beneficial as sometimes those who are maybe reticent have their concerns answered or explained.
I was made to feel accepted and very welcome into a professional, dedicated and caring team, even though I have no medical background. Their valuable time has been given to explaining conditions which patients have and just a little of the medical side to contextualise things we see and deal with, along the way I’ve picked up many tips and a basic understanding of cardiac conditions, it’s been a wonderful learning experience.
As a volunteer it has been a great privilege to meet and work with not only the staff, but a vast spectrum of patients, from those who are chomping at the bit to get back to living “normally” to those who are frail or anxious and in need of so much more support, physical and mentally. I look back on some who have made a great impact on me with their condition and their strength and commitment to return to normal. Some who have brought humour or interesting life stories, one who’s only kept alive by an artificial heart and pump and who’s positivity was an inspiration, one who’s courage means his story can be found on the BBC website and, one, great sadness.
I mention these because as a volunteer it has been a privilege to be able to try and help them recuperate. It has also been testament to the staff who have given us a level of responsibility when working with patients. At times it’s been very humbling. I hope also that the patients gained something from the volunteers in sharing our stories and listening to theirs’. I have been asked about coping mentally with recuperation, something I can relate to as I found this difficult to come to terms with; it is very pleasant too, that patients put their trust in us even at a quite basic level.
I would suggest that we as volunteers have gained much as people because of working in rehab, some of it is hard to put into words; new areas of learning, meeting new people, building relationships, learning new skills.
We had links with two other groups – Active Hearts and the British Heart Foundation. Active Hearts played an important role and set up a support group where ex-patients could attend the gym and continue their progress at their own pace. This then evolved and there is now Phase 4, a developmental 12-week course building on the work done in rehab with a cardiac-qualified trainer in the gym, organised and run by Everybody Health & Leisure.
In addition to our weekly sessions, there is an annual sponsored walk event organised for ex-patients. We walk from Macclesfield to Bollington and return – 6 miles. It’s great to see ex-patients and catch up with their progress as well as raising much needed funds for rehab.
It’s strange, but sometimes adversity opens a whole new pathway, a pathway to new experiences, new locations, new people and new friends. Ones that without it, simply would not have occurred - and Cardiac Rehab has certainly done that.
