“Helping people in a meaningful way is deeply rewarding.” Ad’s decade of volunteering with Mountbatten Isle of Wight

When you meet Ad van Heeswijk, you’re struck by a quiet wisdom that comes from a lifetime of helping others. For nearly a decade, Ad has been a dedicated volunteer at Mountbatten Isle of Wight, supporting people through bereavement and end-of-life care.

From the Netherlands to the Isle of Wight.

Ad originally hails from the Netherlands, where he trained and worked as a clinical psychologist. After a long and fulfilling career for 18 years in a large mental health hospital in Maastricht, he found himself at a crossroads – a classic midlife crisis, as he puts it, with a smile. He considered working abroad, applying to roles in Nepal, Ethiopia, and Greece, but was told he lacked “third-world experience.” Instead, he was encouraged by colleagues who had moved to England, and soon found himself on the Isle of Wight, working in adult mental health for the NHS.

After retiring from the NHS, Ad faced a new challenge: how to find purpose and meaning in retirement. “The first two weeks were brilliant,” he laughs, “but then you start to wonder what you’re going to do with your days.” It was during this period of reflection that Jane Hazeldine, Mountbatten’s Director of Psychosocial & Spiritual Care, suggested he volunteer at Mountbatten. Though initially unsure if bereavement support was his comfort zone, Ad embraced the challenge—and has never looked back.

“Helping people in a meaningful way is deeply rewarding.”

-Ad van Heeswijk

Since June 2015, Ad has devoted much of his retirement to volunteering as a clinical psychologist at Mountbatten, working in both bereavement and palliative care. Now in his 70s, he gives many hours not only to his patients but also to supporting and informally supervising staff and fellow volunteers.

For Ad, volunteering is about more than filling time. It’s about using his skills and experience to make a real difference. “Being a psychologist and psychotherapist is an important part of my identity,” he explains. “Helping people in a meaningful way is deeply rewarding.”

He’s quick to point out that volunteering at Mountbatten is not about being lavishly praised or thanked. “Just being here and volunteering gives me enough. The reward is in seeing people helped, in hearing ‘thank you, this was helpful.’”

Read more: Where to volunteer with Mountbatten Isle of Wight and how to apply

“Mountbatten is a very positive, warm, and supportive place.”

Ad’s role at Mountbatten is varied. He supports people through bereavement, often working with those who are experiencing complex grief, as well as couples and families navigating bereavement. He also provides support to people facing end-of-life situation, and their loved ones. No two days are the same, and Ad values the flexibility and freedom Mountbatten offers compared to his NHS days. “You’re much freer to listen to your own clinical intuition here,” he says.

The atmosphere at Mountbatten is something Ad treasures. “It’s a very positive, warm, and supportive place. The team is brilliant, hardworking, and always ready for a good laugh, which is so important in this line of work.”

Ad treasures the warm, supportive atmosphere at Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

Read more: How volunteering with Mountbatten Isle of Wight will help you.

Joy, laughter, and purpose.

Volunteering at Mountbatten has given Ad a renewed sense of purpose. “It’s something to get out of bed for in the morning,” he says. “It contributes to the meaningfulness of my life.” The work has also prompted him to reflect on life, death, and what it means to support others through some of their most difficult moments. “You learn so much from it. It’s not a depressing place—there’s a lot of laughter and joy here, too.”

Ad encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. “Don’t hesitate. There’s always something you can do, even if it’s just an hour every week. You gain more than you give, and people really appreciate the support.”

As he approaches his 10-year anniversary as a volunteer, Ad remains as committed as ever. “I’ll keep going as long as I’m able to do good work for people. It’s fulfilling, rewarding, and I’m grateful to be part of such a wonderful team.”

Feeling inspired by Ad's story? Join the Mountbatten volunteer team! There are many ways your time and skills can make a difference to the patients and families we care for across the Island.

Read more: Where to volunteer with Mountbatten Isle of Wight and how to apply