Volunteers’ Week: Martyn’s Story
This Volunteers Week, we aim not only to celebrate the outstanding contributions our volunteers
make as a collective, but also to recognise them as individuals.
The selfless act of volunteering, giving your time or skills to support someone else, can have
just as much impact on your own wellbeing as it does for the people you help. Martyn is one
volunteer who experienced this first hand.
Martyn’s Story
Hi! My name is Martyn Eastwood. I’ve been with Compaid for over 10 years working in
transport as a driver, and now volunteer in the digital skills centre.
Before joining Compaid, I spent 30 years in international banking, foreign exchange
and market trading with HSBC and Halifax Bank of Scotland. It was exciting at first, but over time,
the job began to change. Things fell into a routine that became really isolating and in truth, I got
bored of it. I needed a new challenge. After the 2008 economic crash, I decided it was time to move
on and look for something different.
When an Opportunity Arrives…
For a couple of years, I jumped from job to job but just couldn’t find the right fit. I’m a talker, I love
a good chat, but most roles had me stuck in an office with no one to talk to, just like my old bank job.
In the winter of 2014, I was working in an older people’s day centre in Tenterden when I spotted a
driving job with Compaid in the Wealden Ad. It really caught my eye because the role described
how I could help people and put my driving skills to good use. It was right up my alley, so I applied,
and a month later, I started as a driver.
Changing Lives with Compaid
I had an incredible experience in my 10 years of driving for Compaid. I could clearly see the difference the charity was making to people’s lives every time I helped people get around Kent.
One particular memory I have is of a special lady I used to drive every week who had spinal issues. Just helping her carry her shopping bags and putting them on the kitchen table made her day. To me this was simple courtesy, but to her, it meant everything.
Moments like that are what made me want to stay on as a volunteer after I retired as a full time driver.
Giving Back, Moving Forward
Volunteering with Compaid has really taught me to count my blessings and appreciate what I have. It’s made me more patient, and even my mum says I’ve become a nicer person because of my position here!
When I come in every Thursday, I spend time with clients while they learn to use computers, learn new skills, create art, and make friends with others in the centre. For me, making them laugh and seeing them smile is the best part.
It’s all about treating them like anyone else. It doesn’t matter what challenges they’re facing or what disabilities they have.
Being around people, and working with and helping others can really bring out something good in you. Volunteering with Compaid has been really good for me. I’m grateful for all it’s taught me and for all the people I’ve met.
