Marking Milestones and a Poetic Tribute
Volunteers’ Week 2025 (2nd–8th June) gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible 160 volunteers who give their time and energy to Association of Carers across East Sussex. Every week, they contribute hundreds of hours to support unpaid Carers—ensuring those who care for others receive the vital rest and support they need.
This week, we recognised volunteers for their dedication, with long-service awards marking 1, 3, 5, 10, and even 14 years of service! We were also proud to present the Julie Mercer Volunteer of the Year Award, named in memory of our former Charity Manager. This award highlights a Volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their role and made a lasting difference.
We’re thrilled to announce this year’s winner, Miranda Jennings, who received her award at our celebration event on Monday. Miranda has built a strong and meaningful relationship with the couple she supports, helping an unpaid Carer take much-needed breaks. She even wrote a beautiful poem about her experience, which we’re excited to share below.
A huge thank you to all our Volunteers across East Sussex — you are truly making a difference to others in your communities.
Miranda’s poem captures the spirit of volunteering to support those who care for others — offering not only practical help to Carers but genuine connection, compassion, and joy. Her words reflect the impact Volunteers can have, not just on those they support, but on their own lives too. We’re honoured to share her poem as part of our Volunteers’ Week celebrations.
It’s a pleasure and privilege to sit with Keith
three hours once a week from eleven to two
plus a girlie chat which is just as important a thing to do
with signposting and suggestions and a laugh as well
Good timing for Keith’s as his carer has been,
Ready for his Wednesday Keith and volunteer Miranda’s ‘scene’
Allowing Gill HER only free time once a week
to shop, a haircut, whatever SHE wants, just so vital.
Seeing Keith grow with confidence over a year
Sharing chats, walks, coffee and cake.
A ‘hit’ at the Free church where we both were most welcomed,
A huge ‘social’ achievement for Keith with always a smile
Now due to frailty not able to visit so it’s more chats and photos we share
No red wine at lunchtime which he used to enjoy; now a coffee and encouragement of water to keep hydrated
(No, dear Keith it’s only 1 O’clock, not bedtime yet)
A light lunch in front of the lunchtime News. We listened in silence to the BBC’s views. We listened to music to blot out the ‘blues’. To keep those football legs moving, its off with our shoes,
Arm chair exercises it is with many a mock punch, keep it steady Keith…we’ve only just had lunch!
bringing back memories of boxing and football which Keith used to do.
On our short walks enjoying the sun on our faces and backs; for fresh air in the rain it’s on with our macs
Our secret is out now. Remember, our swing from a tree.
The laugh we both shared and the enjoyment we dared (Maggie, don’t panic – I knew Keith wouldn’t be scared)
This, I would say, is one of the best times we shared.
I feel so proud to call Gill and Keith my friends. Certainly not – no, this is not where this ends
Friends forever most definitely yes, whatever happens well…God bless.
This is why volunteering is so special
not only for Keith, Gill and myself, but for everyone out there receiver or giver
Tonight it is a favourite Gill is cooking Keith delicious liver
In these days that certainly try us, it’s what I believe. For those like Gill, Association of Carers – what a relief.
So thank you Association of Carers, for all that you do – you are all so special and this is truly my belief.
By Miranda Jennings, Volunteer