Volunteers Story: Heather Smith at Wiston Lodge

 

 

 

"In the early part of 2019 I found Wiston Lodge by chance, or maybe it found me. I had recently moved to the area with my daughter and while taking a walk in the woods nearby I found myself on the path to this huge Victorian Hunting Lodge which until that day I hadn’t known existed. After doing some online research I discovered it was a place of learning for children and young people.

I was living with my daughter, while at same time living alone and coping with a series of personal traumas that included the very recent death of my 25-year-old son, Ryan. I wasn’t entirely sure what my mind and heart needed at that point in time, only that after reading of the incredible work they do the idea of becoming in some way involved in the day to day operations at Wiston Lodge called out to me during the longest, darkest days of my life. I contacted the office, gave them a little of my work history and background, said, ‘Please give me something to do’ and have been here in some capacity ever since.

I now know what it was I found that day: what I needed, exactly when I needed it. It gave me a sense of purpose and a chance to spend all the love I have for children in a place that nourishes and encourages them every day. It gave me my confidence and my life back and I would encourage anyone who was trying to heal and find purpose to every day into volunteering as an option. After all that’s happened, I can only find the space for the kind of work that makes my soul feel good – Wiston Lodge is that space.

Wiston Lodge is a place to grow; not only for the people that visit but also has been for me too. It has been three years and I still remember how inwardly afraid I felt around new people, the fear of ‘showing’ trauma triggers that included crying whenever I heard a child cry, and my lack of confidence in being seen at all at this time melting away. Wiston is a warm, friendly and hugely supportive place that has opened its arms to me from day one. I’m accepted and made to feel safe to be myself – just as I am, and have been helped to discover work that matches all of my personal and professional strengths. It has felt like an extension of home to me from the day I arrived. It’s a place where your imagination and ideas are encouraged and heard.

I can’t thank my colleagues at Wiston enough. Thank you for welcoming and gently walking beside me as I made my way back home to myself."

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Wiston Lodge provides physical, mental and spiritual challenge in a safe and sheltered residential environment for all users, but especially young people who are vulnerable and at risk; enabling the development of respect for oneself, others and for the environment and encouraging lifestyles which are simple, nonviolent and free from destructive dependencies. Wiston Lodge is a charity, housed in a former Victorian Hunting Lodge built in the 1870s, located near Lanark in Scotland, an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh and 10 minutes from the M74 (J13).

Website: https://wistonlodge.com/ | Phone: 01899 850 228 | Email: info@wistonlodge.co.uk

Address: Millrigg Road, Wiston, BIGGAR ML12 6HT

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wistonlodge

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WistonLodge/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wistonlodge/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGbjEkejJWG10sHWCG6BUw