Meet Your PDCCA Volunteer - Isla Moran
Isla Moran (IM) moved to Pulborough 11 years ago. Her career as a carer led her to volunteer for the PDCCA.
PP: Can you talk us through what you do as a volunteer across PDCCA’s services?
IM: It depends on the day. Wednesday is Pop-Ins day at Pulborough Library during school term time so I always bake a cake to share with the families that come along to join us. After Pop-Ins I head to Pulborough Village Hall where the lunch club takes place. I chat to residents and join in activities such as board games and the art table. On Sundays I help out at the Pulborough Pantry in the Parish room at the back of the Sports and Social Club in Rectory Close. It’s a great opportunity to chat to people and great fun. There’s always lots of banter.
PP: How would you describe PDCCA’s evolution over the years, especially in how it supports older residents and those needing practical help?
IM: At the start, the support was very practical. Befriending, meals on wheels providing food and there was even a toenail cutting service. It really evolved after COVID due to the mental health problems it caused for many people.
PP: PDCCA offers services such as Community Transport, Befriending, Lunch Clubs, Pop-Ins, and now the Pulborough Pantry. Which do you feel has become increasingly important in recent years?
IM: I believe they are all equally important in different ways. Befriending combats isolation, Lunch Clubs give people a reason to go out, the transport helps to get them to medical appointments and the Pantry helps feed families. Pop-Ins provide an opportunity for mums to network and make friends. We also added Cooking with Confidence sessions to encourage kids to learn about healthier eating choices.
PP: What do you think makes PDCCA such a trusted organisation?
IM: Without a doubt, the volunteers. Their kindness, compassion and empathy is what people know the PDCCA for. They give up their time to help others. They treat everyone as family. They offer help to families in so many ways that makes a very real difference.
PP: PDCCA recently welcomed the Princess of Wales, Princess Catherine, during her visit to celebrate 50 years of the Lunch Club. What was it like being part of that day?
IM: Awesome! Seeing the total surprise on people’s faces was incredible. It was a huge boost for PDCCA and we were so proud she came and spoke to families, Lunch Club members, volunteers, our transport drivers and the kids who were waiting outside. She even petted a family dog. The older residents at the Lunch Club were thrilled she sat and chatted to them. It was a day none of us will forget. Her visit has had a huge impact in raising awareness of the PDCCA and what it does.
PP: Are there regular attendees of the Lunch Club who have made a particular impression on you?
IM: Yes. A fellow South African who is loud, boisterous and great fun. She is much loved. She is also a volunteer, a befriender and helps out at the Harvest Fair.
PP: What do you think people misunderstand or overlook about community volunteering?
IM: I think people need to try it to understand the benefits. For me it provides happiness and fulfilment. It’s what my life is about. Ask yourself, what can I change for others. How can I help them to move forward?
PP: If you could encourage someone in Pulborough to volunteer, what would you say?
IM: Come and have some fun! Just try it!
PP: Are there any PDCCA projects or services you’d like to get more involved with?
IM: I would like to look at setting up a mobility aids library, including providing signposting to existing services available such as local physios. I believe there is a gap here that could be filled by putting out a call to the local community for unused equipment.
PP: How do you see your role evolving in the future?
IM: New services will launch around generating more communication to create new connections to the community, especially aimed towards the younger generation and influencing them to become advocates for volunteering, and signposting them to services available when they need them.
PP: Wrapping up, what else stands out about your time as a PDCCA volunteer?
IM: Working with the previous High Sheriff of Sussex, Tim Fooks. He was a fantastic champion for us as a charity and always good fun. We’ve recently been nominated for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life. We’re also celebrating our 60th anniversary this year.
PP: What events are coming up soon?
IM: We have an All Hallows Eve Children’s Party coming up on 31st October. Keep an eye on local social media for more details.
Find out more about the PDCCA here
If you have some time to spare, please join the PDCCA as a volunteer and help make a difference.
