Home help – Julian Vicary wins Volunteer of the Year award

Published: 12 March 2010
by PETER GRUNER

TWENTY-year-old Julian Vicary, from Holloway, was crowned Volunteer of the Year this week after spending eight months as a live-in helper for a woman with senile dementia, writes Peter Gruner.

Julian, a trained classical pianist, took volunteering to a new level when he moved in with the elderly woman to cook, clean and help her with day-to-day activities.

“I think every young person should have an opportunity to put something back into society and learn something about themselves,” he said.

Islington-based poet John Hegley, who presented the award, described Julian’s efforts as “inspirational”. He said: “I encourage musicians and poets to volunteer and perform in day centres. You always get a good audience and it is better than sitting at home where no one can hear you.”

The live-in scheme, called Home Share, is run by Islington-based national charity CSV (Community Service Volunteers). It provides support for people with special needs who live on their own. Previously, Julian, originally from Cumbria, lived in with a child with autism and his mother as part of a similar project.

He runs a Young at Heart scheme to bridge the gap between generations, recruiting more than 100 young volunteers to work in day centres, care homes and community centres in the capital.

There are 315 live-in volunteers in the country. “Like Julian, they can look after people with disabilities or with learning difficulties,” said Louise Mousseau, regional volunteers manager for CSV. “We are always looking for compassionate volunteers who are committed and enthusiastic. They get a small allowance and become a live-in carer.”