Do something to make a difference

Special Report

Do something to make a difference

Got some spare time on your hands? Becoming a volunteer could be the perfect option for you. From being a tour guide at a National Trust property to fostering an animal that had a difficult start to life, there’s a volunteer’s role out there for everyone. You may have more time on your hands now you’re retired, the children have gone off to university, or your working routine has changed since the pandemic – whatever the reason, before you commit to volunteering think about what you want to do, why you want to do it and realistically how much time you can give. Would you be able to commit regularly, say a few hours every week, or is it more likely to be on an ad hoc basis? There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities, which include: • Abroad • With animals • Online • Helping the elderly Or it may be that you are inspired by a cause and want to get involved with a charity. Some ideas to get you started… • Crisis response charities • Nature and the environment • Faith-based charities • Homeless and hunger charities • Women’s charities • Military charities Close to home - Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time, as well as give you an opportunity to use your skills and experience to support a cause or organisation close to your heart. If you’re keen to volunteer locally, contact your parish council or check out the notice board in the local library or community centre. • Read your local newspaper or check online for upcoming events. At certain times of the year councils often appeal for volunteers to help clean up beaches or river banks. If you have a National

Trust or English Heritage site close to you, you will find a huge range of volunteer roles available. • Is there a ‘be a friend’ or ‘buddy’ scheme, where you can visit a neighbour who is housebound for a cuppa and a chat or do some shopping? • Check out your local charity shops too – they are always keen to welcome new volunteers in a variety of roles. Further afield - From aid projects in Africa to teaching English in Nepal, there are a multitude of opportunities to do worthy and rewarding voluntary work overseas. Don’t be put off from getting involved because you’re not the classic gap-year student volunteer. According to Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), for instance, around two fifths of its volunteers are in their fifties or sixties, with two per cent in their seventies. Organisations value older people for their calm, problem-solving skills, empathy and experience. Visit vsointernational.org. For more information • do-it.org.uk is a website that makes volunteering easy. • The National Council for Voluntary Organisations, visit www.ncvo.org.uk. • Volunteering Matters, volunteeringmatters.co.uk.