Voluntary Work

Cat_House

Having recently retired 3 months ago, I am now very interested in getting involved in some voluntary work in my local community in the very near future. I have done a little research and there seems to be some good points and bad.

Can any of you give me some insight into your experiences in this field? I feel I have a fair bit to offer but really unsure of which direction to take.

Thanks! Cat House

Alexland

Cat_House wrote: »

Can any of you give me some insight into your experiences in this field? I feel I have a fair bit to offer but really unsure of which direction to take.

I am a long way from retiring but spent 3 years during term time at uni volunteering for the Sunday shift at a local charity bookshop. I really enjoyed it and they gave me responsibilities over time to do the banking, supervise other staff (on workfare programmes) and train volunteers. My friends were always puzzled why I did it but I just wanted to help and give something back.

I found it gave me a much closer understanding of the local community and opened up new circles of non-uni friends who shared their broader life experiences.

Alex

marlot

About 18 months ago, I dropped to 4 days a week. I spend the day volunteering on my local steam railway. There are 950 of us volunteers - and they do all sorts from driving engines, manning signal boxes, to woodwork, electrics, painting, selling tickets, maintaining the gardens, track maintenance, lineside clearance etc. Quite a few people devote one (or more) days each week and you get quite a community atmosphere.

MallyGirl

I guess it depends on what interests you.
I work full time but my employer gives me 3 paid days a year to spend on volunteering. I am a school governor and also help with a local homeless initiative. This runs to far more than 3 days involvement but I find it really rewarding.
In the past I have also walked dogs for Cinnamon Trust.