“Participating here at Laksevåg Volunteer Centre has certainly improved my health,” Ms Nikøy says.
In her opinion, if you’re a volunteer or just participating in activities, it’s all about the same thing: being part of a community.
From full-time to nothing
After 25 years of working as a nurse at Haukeland University Hospital, she had to resign. Initially, she thought she was burnt out, but later she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“I went from a full-time position to nothing in one day. You question your identity. Who am I? It’s been very hard,” she says.
When she moved to Laksevåg after her relationship ended, she was practically numb. The encounter with the volunteer centre was therefore important.
Bingo in the middle of the day
During the course of the last 12 months, she’s gradually started participating in activities like quizzes, card games, bowling and activities offered through the Norwegian Parkinson’s Association.
Sometimes she thinks it’s a bit embarrassing to sit and play bingo in the middle of the day, but she doesn’t let that bother her:
“After all, it’s helped lift my spirits somewhat. Small steps at a time. I try to be as sociable as I can.
Wants to start a language cafe
Throughout her working life, she’s been concerned with helping others. Among other things, she’s helped refugees with Norwegian language training. She misses this and hopes to resume it in the future depending on her health. She wants to start a language cafe.
“Without doubt, making other people happy is the greatest gift of all.”
The manager of Laksevåg Volunteer Centre, Kari Trude Eikeland, says that volunteerism often means as much to the contributor as the person participating in the activity.
“Many of our volunteers are disabled, unemployed or pensioners. Volunteer work is important to them as well.”
For Ms Nikøy, the conclusion is simple:
“I don’t know what I would’ve done without the volunteer centre.”