It can feel good to lend a helping hand to those that need it. We do this subconsciously through life, often helping family members, neighbours, friends, etc. We’ve also likely been on the receiving end and it has been greatly appreciated. Life can be busy though and we can’t always spare as much time as we would like.
Many pursue careers in helping others, dedicating their time to ensure charities are well run and fundraisers and events take place to raise awareness. However, many organisations wouldn’t be able to exist without help from people who give up their free time to aid others. So, if you’re semi-retired or have retired completely and find yourself with a bit of extra spare time, why not give volunteering a go?
Ways to volunteer in your community
My Nan is from Wales, she lives just outside of Swansea and used to volunteer at the local Oxfam. I remember going to stay with her in the summer holidays and she would often take me to Oxfam with her on the days that she volunteered. My grandfather would drop us off in the city and we would make our way through the market to the little shop on the high street. I loved it, it was always such an adventure. The ladies were so warm and welcoming. There was such a lovely communal feeling and a sense of belonging inside the shop. They really did love a good natter over a cup of tea and biscuit. I remember my favourite part was sorting through the stock and pricing it up using the price gun!
There are hundreds of ways to volunteer but where do you start? Perhaps, think about who you would like to help and where your strengths lie. Do you have skills to share or would you like to learn new skills? Volunteering can often give us the opportunity to explore different avenues and rediscover strengths and interests that we may not have had the courage or time to try when we were younger.
Have a chat with some local organisations or check your local paper for upcoming events. Parks and gardens need bulb planters at certain times of the year and local councils often appeal for volunteers to help clean up local beaches/rivers. Volunteers are always welcomed with open arms!
Volunteer programs for the over 50s
There are a few good volunteering websites to have a look at, such as volunteeringmatters.org.uk. Here you will be able to find a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) you can join, aimed at those aged 50 and above. Connect with local groups and help by driving people to hospital appointments, knitting clothes and soft toys for children, managing allotments, and much more. If you can commit regularly, the RSVP program will also help support others who would like to start and lead their own projects. Another website that makes volunteering easy is doit.life, just pop in your postcode and a list of local opportunities will appear.
From knitting clothes to working on a steam railway, there are endless people, groups, and societies that need a helping hand. I live right next to the fabulous Watercress Line in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. The historic steam railway has formed its own heritage railway trust and would not continue to run without the help of its volunteers. It would be such a shame if this wonderful part of British history was lost forever.
Volunteering locally and abroad
If you are semi-retired, check with your company to see if they offer any volunteering opportunities. Some companies these days, allow their employees to use one paid day a month to help volunteer locally or help with a project they are supporting. Here at Greenfords, we are often looking for ways in which we can support the local communities of our parks. Not so long ago we helped sponsor Dorking Children’s Allotment, a fantastic communal project not far from our very own Merrywood Park.
Whatever you choose, whether it be locally or even worldwide, your help will be needed. Get the grandchildren involved, help out in your local community, or if you are no longer tied and feeling adventurous, volunteer abroad.
If there is something you have always wanted to do – like driving a big ol’ steam engine, then now is the time! The opportunities are limitless.
