In our regular feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time and their time off. This week, we welcome Rachel Belcher, the new Wellbeing Co-ordinator at Leverhulme Community Hub.
Rachel, please tell us about yourself and your work.
I grew up in Yorkshire, within a loving family of my mum, dad, and myself. From a young age nursing was my chosen career. I was 17 and extremely shy when I first volunteered in a Care Home to gain caring experience and confidence, I went on to complete my nurse training, and at 21, began work in an Operating Theatre. Nursing taught me so much. The importance of a friendly welcome, being respectful of people’s beliefs, the ability to strike up a conversation, quickly put someone at ease, valuing each person’s contribution, and never asking anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.
Andrew and I have holidayed here since 2009. We fell in love with Harris, its people and the community’s values, looking out for each other, self-reliance and caring for this beautiful island. We were regular return visitors and settled here 4 years ago. The community are incredibly welcoming, and it’s now the right time to give something back. I am now the Wellbeing Co-ordinator at Leverhulme Community Hub in Leverburgh. It’s a new post with funding for 1 year. I am working for the Hub’s Board and with the volunteers.
How did you get where you are today?
Through hard work, blood, sweat and tears…literally. And a determination to seek a better lifestyle and new adventure.
What are your goals for the near future?
To help the Hub move forward, toward the next stage of being fully operational, so everyone can make use of the facilities, including the café and gym. To do this, we need more volunteers. There are many opportunities available for people to get involved. Whether it be, on the Hub Board, in the Charity Shop as a retail assistant, in the sorting room, or developing online sales and social media content. Maybe you fancy joining an incredible volunteer baking team or helping run the pop-up cafe or cleaning the building, every role matters. We also need people who are handy at DIY, gardening, or maybe someone who fancies the job of becoming a Portable Appliance Tester (training available). It doesn’t matter how little time you can offer, from 1 hour or more, we would be grateful for every pair of hands that can help move us forward. Remember volunteering can take you anywhere, in my case, it helped a shy youngster evolve into a University Lecturer, and no one would have believed that as I took those first tentative steps many years ago.
We also want to raise the profile of the Hub's function rooms. You can hire a meeting room seating 10 (the same room can be used for hot desking), a community space with servery, and an exhibition area. The Hub’s refurbishment was taken forward by the community, for the community, so we want to hear what you would like to happen here.
Please get in touch, share ideas, we would love to chat. Similarly, if you have skills or knowledge you can offer us, contact Rachel at 01859 520497 or email volunteer@levcomhub.com.
How do you like to spend your time off?
Exploring on foot from our door. We love beachcombing, exploring the hills, and walking where the land meets the sea. The wilder the weather, the better, I love experiencing all elements, it makes me feel alive and free.
What are your favourite places in Harris?
Leverburgh to Rodel via Loch Thorsagearraidh, over to Borrisdale, through Strond, and back home. It’s the first walk we did each year on holiday, it’s so peaceful. I love observing the changing seasons, the views are outstanding looking out across the islands, and the sheep are always there, watching the world go by. I just love being in and amongst nature. It’s the simple things in life which matter the most after all.
It’s tea break time. What’s on the menu?
Camomile tea, toast with marmalade.
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