Meet Calderstones Receptionist Volunteer, Catherine

The UK’s largest Shared Reading charity is celebrating its amazing team of volunteers throughout June inspired by Volunteers’ Week 2025, Monday 2 June – Sunday 8 June.  

NAME: Catherine 

LOCATION: Liverpool 

ROLE:  Receptionist, Welcome Area at The Mansion House, Calderstones 

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER AT THE READER?  

When my husband of 51 years died in 2014, I was devastated with grief. Some months later I realised that I needed to fill some of the time I had spent nursing him. Because I live very close to Calderstones Park, I was aware that an organisation called The Reader had set up in the Mansion House, so I started to attend a Shared Reading Group.  

But I found that I was in a 'comfort zone' and thought that I needed to talk to more people. I offered my services as a volunteer and the role of Volunteer Receptionist had just been created. This gave me exactly the opportunity I needed, and I quickly adapted to the tasks of answering the telephone, greeting and directing people as well as helping with anything else required. I put on a smile and played the part and felt better for it.  

I was well supported by the then coordinator Gillian and gradually I recovered and felt useful, allowing my emotional health to heal. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE?  

I love being part of The Reader. I feel that I have been useful and that my social skills have been appreciated by the visitors to The Mansion House. I enjoy answering the telephone and solving problems for callers or visitors. I like the satisfaction I get from just answering enquiries from a caller. I love the idea that I can, perhaps, enable the staff to use their time more efficiently by being a 'first responder' for example by helping callers to decide on the best of available dates, to book a room, before passing them on to a member of the Events Team. I love that I learn so many new things each day. 

I am proud of being part of this organisation. I love having the opportunity to encourage visitors to join Shared Reading groups and to appreciate the history of the Grade II listed building.  I have made good friends who have become part of my personal life and genuinely believe that my life has been enriched by the volunteer experiences I have at The Reader. 

If you would like to find out more about The Reader and the volunteering opportunities, we offer please visit here. Volunteers receive full training and ongoing support from The Reader. 

As a charity we rely on the generous support of individuals and organisations to help us change lives through Shared Reading. A donation allows us to train volunteers, provide resources for groups and help reach more people. We want to make sure everyone can attend a Shared Reading group, no matter their background, income or situation, and we'll be so grateful for your help.

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