downsmail.co.uk Cancer support
‘so rewarding’ ANadmirer of Jack Nicholson used a line from one of the Hollywood actor’s films to sum up his views about the Macmillan service. “You make mewant to be a better
man” is what Mr Nicholson said in the 1997 film As Good As It Gets, and Chris Banwell says this “sums up where I amcoming from”. Chris said that six months ago he attended a training course for the VAM-administered project which provides practical and befriending help to people living with cancer. He said his work with two suffer-
ers, David and Lynn, had been highly rewarding. He said David was cheerful but Lynn struggled to cope. He said: “Her cancer has been spreading. She has been attending hospital for two years and has had a pretty appalling time of it. The lack of empathy and the long waiting times have been draining. “She was supposed to start chemotherapy weeks ago but is not in the right mental place. As a vol- unteer you have to be there for them; I have made that commitment and I have got to stick with it. “I feel that Macmillan inwest Kent
is going to make great strides and I want to be a part of that.”
Voluntary Action Maidstone AGM | News
‘Before I joined project I lacked belief in myself’
A MAIDSTONE man who has bipolar disorder says volunteering has helped him find happiness after suffering a troubled child- hood.
Mohammed Maqbool (42), of Midhurst Court, struggled as a young person growing up in Pak- istan because of the stigma of poor mental health. He said his moods were “like a yoyo” and at the age of 16 his parents decided to send him to England to live with his uncle. At 19 he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Mohammed has been volunteering for the Platform
project, which includes events as well as helping to bring together mental health service users and providers. He told the VAM AGM: “When I put on my Time To Change T-shirt, I feel as though I am fighting for a great cause because one in four people will suffer mental
Mohammed Maqbool
health illness in their lives. “I am now at college four days a week and focusing on the next
steps in my life. If itwas not for the people at VAM I would not have the courage to talk to you today. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. The carers’ project, Platform and many of the other projects are doing great things and I would urge anyone who has the funding and power to not stop it. I would campaign to raise money. “Volunteering has changed my
life to a level I can’t explain; I have possibilities in front of me I never thought I would have. I always thought I would never be success- ful and I lacked belief in myself.”
Volunteers explain why they give their time
Shelley Attwell: “After losing my job at KCC I found my confidence had gone and I was quite nervy. I was quite lonely at home. Volun- teering has helped me build up my self-esteem and confidence. I feel myself again.” Julia Ward: “Since I retired I lost a
The children and young people from Maidstone Salvation Army will be performing
KIDS PRAISE (a childrens Christian musical)
on Saturday 24th January at 4pm
at The Salvation Army, 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone (ME14 1ED)
Tickets are available
from the Community Office at a cost of: Adults £2.00 Children £1.50 Family (up to 4 people) £5.00
(The Performance running time is approximately an hour)
For further information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Community Office on 01622 681808.
Experience a ride on a real steam train and take part in
Thomas-themed activities.
K Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE
14th
FEBRUARY , 15th
, 21st , 22nd at a Heritage Railway near you. Join Thomas & Friends™
www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/kentandeastsussexrailway Day Out With T
h Thomas ™ T s ™ Thomas t s the Tank E © 20 5 G© 2015 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas t
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sense of structure and volunteering has given me this back.” Vanessa Knight: “I have had de- pression all through my adult life. I was first on medication at the age of 17 and in 2005 I was diagnosed with a borderline personality disor- der.
“Working as a V-Team volunteer
has helped to giveme focus; it helps me get out of bed. Even on a bad day I turn up to volunteer because of what I get out of it. I get a sense of belonging which goes a long way, having spent so long on the outside of things.”
n The Railway Series by Ts by The Reverend W Ad W.. Awdry. Thomas & F
s are
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