Lilian Atkins, North Shields
“I live in sheltered accommodation and saw the Friends of North Tyneside programme advertised on a poster in the laundry room. I wasn’t sure at first but my granddaughter persuaded me to give it a go and I’m glad she did. I lost my husband three years ago and most of my family live away from the North East now so I found myself with some time on my hands. I also liked the idea of meeting new people and doing something caring – I cared for my husband so that comes naturally to me. Although I was apprehensive when I first came along, everybody here – the staff and other volunteers – are so friendly I felt comfortable in no time at all. I love crafts – I’m always knitting – so the Making Christmas Special project really appealed to me. I’m really enjoying the programme and I’ll actually be sorry when it finishes.”
