Could you volunteer? Giving back in later life

Later life can be a wonderful time to give something back, and to get a great deal out of it yourself. Whether you have a few hours a week or just now and then, volunteering is a lovely way to stay active, meet people, use the skills and experience you have built up over a lifetime, and make a real difference in your community. And the honest truth is that volunteers very often say they get back far more than they give. Here is why it is worth considering, and how to find something that suits you.

Why it is good for you, too

Volunteering is not only good for the people and causes you help, it is good for you. Many people find it gives them a renewed sense of purpose, especially after retirement or a bereavement, when the days can feel emptier than they used to. It keeps you active and connected, it is a natural way to make new friends, and it can be a real lift to your mood and wellbeing. In short, it is good for the heart, in every sense.

There is something for everyone

Volunteering is wonderfully flexible, and there is a role to suit almost anyone. You might fancy helping in a charity shop, driving people to appointments, lending a hand at a lunch club or community group, doing some gardening or conservation work, sharing your professional know-how, or serving on a charity's committee. And if getting out and about is harder for you, there are plenty of roles you can do from home, such as telephone befriending, where you simply phone an older person for a regular, friendly chat. You can give as much or as little time as you like.

You do not need to be an expert

Please do not feel that you need special qualifications or experience. What matters most is your time, your kindness, and your willingness to help. Organisations provide training and support, and they will usually cover your out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, so it need not cost you anything to take part.

Will it affect my pension or benefits?

No. You can volunteer while receiving your State Pension, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance or other benefits, as long as you are only paid back genuine expenses rather than a wage. It will not affect what you are entitled to, so there is no need to worry on that score.

Volunteer with us at BrightLife

Closer to home, we would love your help here at BrightLife. As a charity supporting older people across the area, we rely on the kindness of volunteers, and especially our telephone befrienders, who give a little of their time to phone an older person for a regular chat and a friendly voice, and it makes a world of difference to someone who might otherwise go days without speaking to anyone. If that appeals to you, please do get in touch with us to find out more.

Finding the right opportunity locally

If you would like to explore what else is on offer, a good place to start is The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, which helps match people with volunteering opportunities across the area. You can browse local roles on their free online platform, VOLIFE, at chesterfieldvc.online, and they can help you find something that fits your interests, your skills and the time you have. The local community directories also list voluntary and community groups across Derbyshire that are always glad of a hand.

Getting started

It is worth giving a little thought to what you would enjoy, how much time you can spare, and whether you would rather get out and about or help from home. Then simply get in touch with a charity directly, or with the Volunteer Centre, who will guide you through the next steps. There is no pressure, and no commitment until you are quite sure it is right for you.

Where to find out more, locally and nationally

Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:

• The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, at chesterfieldvc.online, to find local opportunities.
• BrightLife, if you would like to volunteer with us, for example as a telephone befriender. Do get in touch.
• Your local community and voluntary groups, many of which are listed in the Derbyshire community directories.

Across the country:

• Do-it, at do-it.org, a national database of volunteering opportunities you can search by area and interest.
• NCVO, for general information and advice about volunteering.