Meet Dominique

‘‘I’m helping Northern Roots, but Northern Roots is also helping me.’’ Dominique, volunteer

My wife passed away 2 and a half years ago, and I was totally lost. I missed her. For a year I was really down and had given up. I went to France to visit my relatives, maybe for the last time, and I went for walks with them and helped them around the house. I got active again. When I came home, I thought ‘I need to do something about my situation’.

A friend mentioned Northern Roots in Oldham. I came to have a look and spoke to the Grower Silvie, and they welcomed me to the Thursday volunteering group.

I’ve been volunteering for over a year now and I’ve enjoyed every day of it. I look forward to working with the team and meeting all sorts of friendly people. Plus being outside, the fresh air, you can’t beat it. It keeps me sane.

The volunteering is so varied and gives me a different outlook on life. I’m learning new skills. My favourite sessions have been building the polytunnels. It’s like playing a giant Meccano toy. It’s a bit of a challenge but it’s very rewarding.

‘’I’ve discovered I can do things I never thought I could do.’’

It’s good for my mental and physical state and it keeps me active and I want to carry on as long as I can. That’s the beauty of Northern Roots for me.

In winter, especially since Covid, I didn’t go out or do anything because it’s cold. I dreaded winter. But since being at Northern Roots I’ve been getting outside and staying warm as we keep ourselves busy.

Everybody can gain something from Northern Roots, if only being together and doing something together. These days, with computers, there’s lots of isolation. But Northern Roots is an opportunity for people to get together again, so that’s great.

It’s nice to think about the future. When the Visitor Centre is open there will be many possibilities for families to come and enjoy nature and get involved. I’m looking forward to it.