On the first day of the deployment I was introduced to another volunteer who had some experience of using the programs we needed. We were to work as partners and she turned out to be one of the most toxic people I have ever met and should never have been given that kind of access to vulnerable people. I am trying to figure out how to address that issue.
Each day my partner drove and I was given the job of "navigating" though navigating is a moot point in these days of google maps. We drove through the beautiful hills of the area and set up in the Casino Cultural Centre.
There would be a quick briefing each morning and then we spent the day giving out a small cash grant. We were instructed that pretty much everyone would qualify for the grant, the only criteria was whether they had been flood affected.
While I took down people's details (name, address, DOB, etc) there was a little time to chat. Some people had grief and trauma written on their whole persona: body language, expression, tone of voice and in their eyes. Others were more buoyant or just having a better day.
I did some data entry, just enough to learn what to do but mostly tried to talk to people so that my partner would be kept busy. It worked because she enjoyed being the computer expert.
At one point a chaplain came in. She didn't look like any chaplain I had ever seen before. There was no kind of uniform or any kind of pretence at piety, just a pair of workboots, shorts and a purple hi-vis vest marked "chaplain"
At my first opportunity I went and asked her how she would approach the role in this situation and her comments were profound.
"I like to stand out the front smoking, it's convenient for my nicotine habit but also, people go in, talk to the services available and by the time they come out again, they are ready to collapse. I do my best work on the footpath"
There needs to be someone on the footpath for people. She has the attention and trust of people since they are not concerned she will not judge harshly.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought it was a very insightful approach. She also put bowls of water at the door for dogs and that showed she cared about all of their concerns
DeleteAnd I’m sure she’d have a ‘quiet, safe corner’ staked out if she felt it needed.
ReplyDeleteWas your volunteer ‘mate’ from the same organisation as you- or just there as you said, because she could navigate the programs you used
Take care and rest up
Cathy
There was a quiet room but i also saw her "hiding" behind cars in the carpark.
DeleteMy mate was an employee of my organisation, on secondment.
It looks like you managed to keep your distance from the toxic partner. Good to know people are getting help after such dramatic flooding in the east. The British government tends to drag its heels over flooding and many people are just left to fend for themselves.
ReplyDeleteNick, the help I was giving out was just enough for a few groceries or a tank of petrol. The government was giving more but it was still a very small amount for people who are now forced to start over. It's a low socio-economic area with lots of hardship, affected by fire and 2 floods in the last 5 years. 2000 homes are set for demolition. Our government could do a lot more
DeleteThat's the kind of chaplain that makes a difference in a person's life.
ReplyDeleteYes, she was pretty experienced. These people are so traumatised, the smallest bit of kindness could mean the world to them
DeleteI can relate to and appreciate the Chaplain's answer.
ReplyDeleteRamana,
DeleteI think we all have had times when we hold ourselves together until we feel safe enough to collapse a bit. Not all of us would think to use that understanding though.
The Chaplain was the person that caught my attention too. However what you said about the people's losses and their socio-economic standing was distressing.
ReplyDeleteGraham,
DeleteIt is distressing. These people are climate refugees in their own home
Yes. They are the most profound words I have ever heard a chaplain, vicar or priest say.
ReplyDeleteThere was a rabbi who said some profound stuff around loving people and forgiveness ;)
Delete