Our March Volunteer of the Month is Jackie Murray!
Jackie volunteers at the Toastie Club in Aberdeen where she uses her skills as a hairdresser to serve the community of people who visit the drop-in each week. We spoke to her recently about her experience of the community group and the value she gives and receives from volunteering there.
How did you come to volunteer at the Toastie Club?
“Well, I’ve known Kam [who runs the Toastie Club] for years. We went to the same church so we’ve been friends since then. One day she says to me, would you like to come and cut a guy’s hair? And I was like, “yeah”…
I think it was about 5 or 6 years ago. I went and cut the guy’s hair, and I just loved it. I loved hearing from him. I’ve done it since then and I love it still. Now I come in the door and it’s like, “Hi, Jackie! Put my name down!” The guys are very respectful and nice, and I’ve been able to get to know them all.
But it’s also quite close to my heart because I lost my son to drugs. I don’t want them or their family to go through what we’ve been through, because it’s a hard thing.
These guys don’t want to be like they are… but it’s addiction. It’s called addiction because they are addicted. So my job is just being there for them, cutting their hair, speaking to them…”
What is it like at the Toastie Club?
“You go in and there’s the [other volunteers] dealing with the soup and the sandwiches and there’s one woman in there – she must be about 75 – and she knows every one of those guys. What they drink, what they want. She doesn’t need to ask them. She puts down their coffee or their tea. She’s a star. She knows them all. It’s just like a community. Everybody works with each other.
They’re getting fed, but there’s other support too. Sometimes people come and are given clothes. Sometimes there’s a nurse. Sometimes there’s the Citizen’s Advice there for them. I’m there cutting their hair.”
Why is community so important?
“There’s a new guy who comes in and I started cutting his hair. Every time, his face is black and blue… I asked him if he had tripped again and he goes, “No, I was fighting”. He’s come to that point that he’s telling me what’s going on, he’s waving to me and smiling. It’s about giving respect, speaking with folk, helping people feel appreciated…
I know what it’s like to have somebody helping me. I like being part of the community. It’s brilliant.
I think Bethany is amazing. The guys here really appreciate it.”
Thank you Jackie – we think you are amazing too!