Volunteer Work

1purplefairy

Hi there,

I would love some advice as to where to begin doing some volunteer work, specifically for the old aged. Would be in my spare time ie days off work; weekends or evenings.

Any ideas appreciated

Becles

Try Help the Aged. They run day clubs where old people can go for a hot meal and some company.

My Gran is a volunteer and helps out with the cooking for one, which is quite funny as she'll be 80 years old in December!

Ted_Hutchinson

Timebank
Direct gov
Volunteering England

Poppycat

Hi, I spend one day a week helping old people for local community transport. I am an escort, helping people (not always old, but many are) on to the mini bus and taking them to wherever they want to be in the local area. Generally have a chit chat with them, all very friendly, old people are not only knowledgeable but wise, we can all learn alot from them. I really enjoy it and give something back.

For last two week been taking a old lady shopping at Tesco for an hour or so a day, very little cost to them, and I get along really well with her.

I hope you can find some time because it is rewarding. Good luck

Just like to add, that old people really apprepiate help. I have escorted one lady once a week to her beloved husbands grave, it isnt what you think it would be sad, she is so grateful and talks very fondly of her husband. I am suprised just how mnay people would be encarsarted in there own homes if it wasnt for the local transport scheme. They are always asking for more people to help, I think people even if its just a few hours a week once in a while to help would find it so rewarding.

I got the escort job because I wanted something to do, and ended up doing this, glad I did now.

donnalove

i do volunteer driving for the nhs mental health services

you will be supprised how many volunteers the nhs need, not just in mental health.

Savvy_Sue

If you have any nursing homes nearby you could ask if they could use any volunteers, particularly if you have skills to offer like leading a sing-song or doing manicures, but even a willingness to do jigsaw puzzles and stuff like that, or just sit and talk to people who don't get many visitors!

Wherever you end up, expect them to do a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check on you, this will take time and you probably couldn't start before you'd got that through.

Poppycat

I am meant to have a crb check on me, but before it had time to be completed I was working. I had my reference recenty checked out though as we deal with vunerable people.

Ally

Try contacted Age Concern .... they have a lot of volunteer opportunities