“I started volunteering at Northbridge after retiring from teaching, wanting to use my skills to help others. I mainly support residents with digital literacy and help run weekly English conversation sessions. What struck me most was the resilience and determination of the residents – they’ve taught me as much as I’ve taught them. The staff at Northbridge made me feel welcomed from day one. The training was thorough, and I always feel supported. Seeing residents gain confidence with technology or improve their English speaking has been incredibly rewarding. One resident I worked with recently got his first job in the UK, partly because he could now use email confidently. Volunteering here has given me a real sense of purpose in retirement. The cultural exchange has been wonderful – I’ve learned about different cuisines, traditions, and perspectives. I’d encourage anyone considering volunteering to get in touch. You don’t need special qualifications, just an open mind and willingness to help.”