Looking for advice for dad aged 70

AMSaunders

Hi. My first post so hello all.
My Dad is aged 70 and was made redundant at the back end of last year he has since really struggled to keep him self motivated and valued.
He is desperate to do some either work or volunteering or anything that will get him out of his flat.
He is an active man with a keen interest in photography. I think conservation volunteering would be good for him.
What has prompted me to post was a thread a few years ago with folks suggesting various avenues including B&Q which I have checked out.
He lives near Horley so on the Surrey West Sussex border.
Any help suggestions etc would be really appreciated, it's not very nice seeing my old man so sad and low.

Many thanks Adam

Steve75

My first post as well! have you tried do-it.org.uk lots of opportunities on there or how about getting an allotment, my Dad did this when he retired.

kingfisherblue

There are a few options open to your dad. He could contact any local conservation charities or groups to see if he can volunteer with them - off the top of my head, I can immediately think of two who work within my village. If he isn't aware of any, the local library or community centre might be able to help.

Community centres often rely on volunteers - maybe he could hold a photography club if he is knowledgeable enough? He might be interested in joining a management board, particularly if he has skills that could be useful to the centre (treasurer, secretary, personnel skills, etc)

If he likes gardening, he could volunteer for nursing homes or nurseris, not only to keep gardens tidy nut also to help residents of nursing homes to become involved. In nurseries, he could teach them basic gardening skills. He would need a CRB for both of these, and possibly other posts, but it would be the employer that he volunteers for to sort that out. Churches might also be keen to welcome a voluntary gardener.

Another idea is to ask the local Scout or Guide groups if they are interested in him helping their members to learn a new skill, not just photography, but maybe other activities that he is interested in.

The main library in your area should be able to give you details of your local volunteer office. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to consider.

BTW - welcome to you both

Slinky

Nothing to do with photography, but would volunteering for Citizens Advice be of interest to him? I know they are recruiting near me and retired people who are willing to commit to at least 6 months are of interest to them.

AMSaunders

Thank you for your thoughts.
I will check out the CAB I think he would like that sort of thing.
He is coming over to mine for a chinese tonight I will (for the first time) discuss all of the above with him, albeit I won't mention this forum to him he is a proud man and hates the thought of needing help from anyone let alone accepting it.
I need to make him think it was his great idea and let him run with it.

AMSaunders

Just had a look at the do-it.org site and it is first class lots to look at and get involved with.
Many thanks

moose1982

Your Dad's nearest CAB is in Crawley btw. It's just outside the town centre, not far from the Fiat/Peugeot dealership if that helps. They are recruiting too if you go through their website.