Volunteering news
Summer 2022
Spotlight on opportunities
How volunteering makes a difference Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do and thinking about how you want to benefit from volunteering is a good start to finding an opportunity that's right for you. Gain confidence. Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. Make a difference. Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive affect on people, communities and society in general. Meet people. Volunteering can help you meet different kinds of people and make new friends. Be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family. Learn new skills. Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience and sometimes even qualifications. Take on a challenge. Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practice using your skills and discover hidden talents. Have fun! Most volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it. Visit www.southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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'Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.' - Elizabeth Andrew Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Visit www.southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Visit www.southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Your volunteering journey, starts here 1
Scan the QR code or search our website www.southayrshirelifeline.org and check for the latest volunteering opportunities.
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Otherwise call us at Voluntary Action South Ayrshire on 01292 432661 or South Ayrshire Lifeline on 0800 432 0510.
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Use the search facility to look for volunteering opportunities. Add location and the distance you are able to travel. For a more refined search, choose your age 4 category, the themes you would like to volunteer in or the activities you would like to do. Specialist roles include opportunities that are trustee roles; home-based volunteering; event based volunteering or opportunities that are suitable to volunteer as a group. If you have any questions about volunteering kindly email enquiries@salifeline.scot
Visit www.southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Visit www.southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Visit www.southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Visit www.southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Why should I volunteer past retirement age? South Ayrshire has the highest proportion of people aged over 100 in Scotland. By 2025, the population aged 75 and more will increase by an average of 33%.
What do these figures mean in terms of community wellbeing? Projections suggest that there will be approximately a 10% drop in the working age population, meaning less people employed in the sectors supporting the older generations. It also means that health and wellbeing issues affecting localities across South Ayrshire could worsen, by placing a greater demand on the local health and social care services. Admittedly, not the best of scenarios to look forward to, unless, post retirement age individuals take a more pro-active stance. One of these positive actions is to volunteer.
Volunteering is beneficial to both you as a volunteer and to the community Giving Back 'Giving something back' may sound twee but it is one of the major driving forces of volunteering amongst older volunteers. The concept of giving back can enhance individual wellbeing as it can improve feelings of self-worth and confidence. Yet it does not stop there, once the volunteer has built themselves up, they can seek to enable other people to connect and become involved in mainstream society.
Improved mental health Another benefit of volunteering is improved mental health, brought about by 'doing something for others'. A research* quotes Margaret, an older people taking part in the study, saying: “I still have depression but it is not as bad. I feel other people’s pain and that makes you feel better and helps to put things into perspective. Doing something for others gives me satisfaction. If you can get people laughing it’s so much better than pills“.
Connecting with the community Volunteering can provide an opportunity for participation in the larger community, to have fun and to broaden their horizons. Whether it is talking to clients in a charity shop, doing admin work in an office talking to paid employees or perhaps being part of a committee as a trustee with regular monthly meetings, gives the opportunity to meet up, talk and have something to look forward to. As a volunteer you have the right to choose a volunteering experience which brings out the best in you and makes you feel better. However, volunteering gives so much more.... Prevents loneliness and isolation Gives a feeling of purpose Increases physical activity Gives a way to reconnect with loved ones
Bridges the generation gap Helps to engage with old interests Helps in learning new skills
Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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