My name is Elaine and I am a #CitizenAdvocate for Dunfermline Advocacy

I had always been interested in volunteering but never had enough time. After a change in career last year I decided to find out more about charities in the local area and felt inspired by the work and ethos of Dunfermline Advocacy. After meeting Ewan, the development worker for the younger persons project, I signed up for the training and shortly afterwards was matched with my partner.

Ewan supported us in meeting for the first couple of times but we were getting on great so he left us to it thereafter!
I meet with Rachel every couple of weeks and we do a variety of activities together from bowling or shopping to sightseeing trips in Edinburgh or musicals at the theatre. Sometimes it’s just a coffee and a catch up (usually involving cake!)  or spending time together at one of our houses doing baking or arts and crafts or just chilling.

Rachel is full of fun and we quickly built up a close friendship. Most of all Rachel reminds me to appreciate the little things in life and not to take anything too seriously! She never fails to make me laugh and I look forward to the time we spend together. Being with Rachel is refreshing and my friendship with her has enriched my life as well as teaching me a lot about myself. I think she gets a lot from it too as I am a friend and Advocate rather than a professional and that is something she didn’t previously have.

Rachel knows I am there should she need help with anything and I look forward to our continuing friendship. I would recommend volunteering with DA to anyone, it’s a friendship that really makes a difference ?

Elaine 🙂

(Pictured below are some photographs of Elaine and her Citizen Advocacy Partner Rachel on various days out.)