by Angela Catley, consultant and critical friend to MacIntyre
Gail is a regular at Queen’s Park Lifelong Learning Centre in Chesterfield.
She loves animals and recently found out about Charlie's Place, an animal sanctuary run by a local charity. Along with a friend, the staff at Queen’s Park encouraged Gail to apply to help out at Charlie’s Place.
It was tricky process, but Gail was delighted to hear she had been accepted and would start her induction training.
I had to write an application form. Then we had a meeting at first. They told us about the clothes we had to wear and the rules there. We have to wear gloves, a hat, an overall and wellies… with socks
Charlie’s Place gives a home to animals that need one. Gail says:
There are horses, chickens, goats and a hedgehog. There is a blind horse
Gail and the other staff and volunteers work hard to help the animals be happy, healthy and well. It is hard physical work as part of lovely team. Gail says:
I put the hay in that big bag and the horses eat it. If I didn’t help the animals, they could be poorly
She is having fun and thinks her time at Charlie’s Place is good for her as well as the animals.
I am really happy with what I am doing…and you learn something new. I do enjoy it…it's good fun
Gail is also really pleased and proud to be making a difference.
I was pleased Charlie’s Place trusted us to work on our own. They are pleased with us and they thank you for all the work that you do. That makes me proud
