Q&A with Hatha Helper Bev

Q. Who takes care of the Chores & Challenges for clients?
A. That would be a Hatha Helper™ - like me! Chores & Challenges is all about taking the stress out of those everyday tasks that can pile up. We [Hatha Helpers™] give clients a helping hand and a bit of company along the way. As a Hatha Helper™, I’m a bit like a personal assistant - I can help with chores, run errands, arrange appointments. It’s about being practical but also kind and understanding, so clients can relax knowing things are under control and being dealt with.

Q. So, what Chores & Challenges have you been doing on behalf of the first clients who have signed up to the service?
A. Initially my first three clients wanted help with tech. Familiarising themselves with mobile phones, tablets and other gadgets. One client had a bought a quite expensive radio, but it was just too complicated. It had too many buttons, too many features. I suggested that she get an Alexa and it’s been a great success. She uses it for much more than the radio. She calls it her new flatmate! It's been great to support her in this way. From feeling she was losing out because of tech we were able to reverse the situation and get real gains. I love that I can help people embrace tech.

Other than that it's been a real mix! I've helped clients with all kinds of practical tasks - booking a flight online, setting up a new Sky package, finding a reliable cleaner, and arranging for gutters to be cleared. I’ve also supported someone who wanted help with decluttering their home.

There have been plenty of outings too - trips to the barber’s, garden centres, even a lovely day out at Wisley. And sometimes it’s not about the tasks at all, it's simply about being there for a chat or sharing some company over lunch.

Q. How often are the sessions that you spend doing Chores & Challenges for clients? How long are the sessions?
A. The sessions can be weekly, every other week or on an ad hoc basis. They normally last for two hours but can be adjusted depending on need. Some clients want two hours, some want three. It just depends on what they've got. It's just like running your own home. Different things crop up at different times. Sometimes you need a bit more, time or help, sometimes you don't need quite so much.

One lady who I see every Monday has a list for ready me when I arrive. We work through the list and get everything ticked off. As the week progresses, she’ll have started a new list, ready for next week, because other things have cropped up.

Q. It must be so reassuring for her to know that you’ll be back the following Monday to deal with those new Chores & Challenges. There won’t be a build-up of worry.
A. Seeing all your stresses jotted down on a notebook for Bev? Yes, that’s it. It's just parked. In the meantime, our clients can get on with doing more of the things that they really want to do and, also, to enjoy spending time with family and friends without having to ask them "Do you think you could just do this for me? Or could you show me how to ....?". They’ve now got me as their go to person for dealing with these tasks and they’re not feeling like they’re burdening their children.

It's not just about getting the task done and ticked off. It's quite hard to articulate but it's also about how the client's feel after you've been. The relief they feel about being supported and knowing that I'll be back soon to help with anything that will come up between visits.

Q. What are you enjoying about being a Hatha Helper™?
A. Absolutely everything! Being able to support clients with tasks that they have been unable to tackle, either because it's online on they are not sure where to start. Enabling clients to continue with an interest or activity, this could be something like preparing lunch or afternoon tea for a client and friend to share in their own home or taking a client to the WI or U3A, doing their grocery shopping and then picking them up and taking them home. It is important for me to stress that nothing is too small - changing a light bulb, sewing on a button, helping to find a suitable gift or card for a friend or family. When there's time for a cuppa and a biscuit it's lovely to hear about the interesting lives our clients have enjoyed.

Q. What have you found your clients appreciate and value about Chores & Challenges?
A. Being a friendly face that makes a task list disappear. If we are not able to resolve something we will find someone that can. One of my clients was talking about her father who was in the Second World War but didn't know what he had done. I am in the process of helping her get a copy of his military service records which may help fill in some of the gaps.

Q. What have you learnt in your role as Hatha Helper™?
A. I've learned how difficult it is living in 2025 if you have no previous technical knowledge of computers and apps. Almost everything we do requires something online or a smartphone. Fortunately I have this experience and am able to guide clients. I am always happy to explain several times , so that is future they can do it themselves or just do it for them if they prefer.

Do you think you could be a Hatha Helper™?
If you love helping others and enjoy making a difference in people’s day-to-day lives we’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about being a Hatha Helper™.

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