by Andrea Parr, Director (Adult Social Care South)
For Volunteers Week 2025, we're hearing from some MacIntyre people about their volunteering experiences.
I began my MacIntyre journey in September 2001 as a support worker in Warrington, and just as the organisation has grown and developed, so have I.
Being ambitious for people who draw on our support, our staff and ourselves is really important and being in control to lead a gloriously ordinary life is what life is all about.
Part of a wider community
For me, this commitment goes beyond work. I’ve always believed in giving back to the community - helping one another, building relationships, and creating opportunities with people is what I love to do.
Volunteering in Kerala
Recently, I had the chance to take this passion overseas during an unforgettable volunteering experience in India.
In January this year I spent two weeks volunteering at a school in Fort Kochi, Kerala, supporting children and young people with learning disabilities. The teachers there were some of the most compassionate and dedicated people I have met, doing everything they could with very limited resources.
The first language spoken was Malayalam, followed by English and Hindi, but despite the language differences, communication never seemed to be an issue. The children engaged so well with us as we had the most amazing time with them – learning new songs, action rhymes, sensory activities, creative tasks which focused on the gifts, skills and passions of the children. We really learnt from one another.
It was fascinating to see how different things are compared to how we do them in the UK. Yet, those differences didn’t matter when it came to building connections. The children’s enthusiasm, the teachers’ warmth, and the welcoming community made the experience incredibly special.
I stayed in a volunteer house arranged through IVHQ, sharing space with volunteers from all over the world involved in projects like palliative care, mainstream education, hospital support, and women’s empowerment. It was inspiring to hear their stories and learn from their experiences.
Of course, there were challenges. The heat was intense, the bunk beds came with hard mattresses, mosquito bites were constant, and curry for breakfast, lunch, and dinner took some getting used to! But these were small obstacles compared to the rewards of the trip.
The highlights? Experiencing life in Kerala like a local, feeling completely safe in a country so far from home, and the kindness of everyone we met. I’ll never forget the boat trip through the backwaters, kayaking in the evening with the other volunteers, watching a classical dance performance at a local theatre, and, most of all, the relationships I built with the children, teachers, local community, and fellow volunteers. It was truly the best experience, and I would absolutely love to do it again. I’m still in touch with people since returning home.
Winter volunteering for Unity MK
Back home, my passion for supporting people continues. On winter evenings, I volunteer at Unity MK, a local charity. I help serve drinks and spend time chatting with people experiencing homelessness. The conversations I have there remind me that everyone has unique gifts, skills, and passions. I’m also fortunate to work with some incredible volunteers who make the experience even more rewarding.
Mixed ability rugby
Wednesday evenings are all about mixed ability rugby, something I absolutely love. Watching people develop their skills and confidence as rugby players has been amazing. Seeing the progression and being part of their journey is something I really treasure – and I too have learnt so much from being part of the ‘Buzzard Hawks’ – the coaches from Leighton Buzzard Rugby club are passionate and ambitious for the people who attend.
Being a Shared Lives carer
At weekends I am also a Shared Lives carer and offer short breaks for Jess and sometimes Chris. These weekends are always something I look forward to. We love getting up early, walking my two Labrador dogs, Buddy and Rolo, and planning our time together. Jess and Chris thoroughly enjoy engaging with the local dog-walking community, which has been a wonderful way to build connections and friendships in our area. Our favourite trips include heading to the caravan in Wales, walking the dogs along the beach, swimming, doing a bit of shopping, and hopping on the trains, which Jess and Chris both adore.
Community Catalysts
More recently, I’ve started a new role as a Non-Executive Director for Community Catalysts. I’m still settling in, but I’m excited about the opportunity. The organisation’s values align perfectly with mine, and I am looking forward to seeing where this new journey takes me.
Creating spaces
Whether it’s through my work at MacIntyre, volunteering locally or abroad, or spending time with my family and Jess and Chris, I’m grateful for every opportunity to build meaningful relationships. For me, it’s all about creating spaces where people feel valued, included, and empowered and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
