Becoming a FaN has been one of the best things I’ve ever done! I support a number of community services in Essex including being part of Colchester Rough Sleepers Group and provide outreach work to rough sleepers independently, as well as fund raising for the women’s refuge. Being a FaN means I can reach another demographic of citizens who may be lonely and isolated. It’s a completely new challenge for me having never worked with older people before and I have to say I love it. I’m currently enjoying being a part of the ColchesterUp project, providing support to both the care home residents and the toddler groups for each session they attend within the care home and seeing the joy it brings to both parties is astonishing.

I’m also really looking forward to acting as a “Wish Collector” for the Colchester region for the Wishing Washing Line project, liaising with and collecting wishes from care homes in and around Colchester to enable older people’s wishes to be granted.

I can’t wait to see what happens next, both in the short and long term.

Catherine Mennie, FaNs Volunteer & Wish Collector