volunteering

[ethandron]

do any/many of you volunteer? as there seem to be quite a number of retired people here, and others who don't work for various reasons, it seems it might be something a fair few do.
in the past i was a volunteer at our local hospital on the mens geriatric ward where i used to shave all the old men, and generally tidy them up and chat to them. more recently i used to dish up the evening meal at our local childrens hospice, for any relatives and staff who were around, and clear up afterwards. currently, i've just started volunteering with the rspb and find this suits me best of all - out in the fresh air, chatting to some really nice people, feeling part of a team.
sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to look to become a volunteer doing something which suits you and which you enjoy. so, what do you do and how did you start?

[pastafreak]

Lottie-any charity that serves meals can always use help in the kitchen....maybe with food prep,serving up, or washing up. There is no such thing as too many hands.

[LoftyLottie]

Back wouldn't be up to it though Pasta. And I don't do washing up!!!!! Not even for a worthwhile cause.

I am seriously thinking about becoming a befriender to an elderly person though.

[tamborine]

I do the hospital shop, lottery/scratch cards etc. but have been training paid Polish employees; I feel used and will retire !

[e.crespo]

LoftyLottie, befriending elderly, often lonely and housebound, people is extremely rewarding and fascinating, I have learnt so much from the old folk I have been fortunate enough to meet through my volunteering efforts. I speak as an oldie myself. However if you do befriend through any organisation you will need a full CRB check, not a problem to most and mine was paid for by the local council, but some feel it is an imposition especially if you have to fund yourself. Good luck with your search.
JJ

[andy-hughes]

I'd agree LoftyLottie - that's why I had to give it up - not that I was doing more harm than good - iIwas hospitalised for three months, and too busy in recovery to return when I was discharged from the psych. ward,

It's a long story ...

[LoftyLottie]

I was CRB checked for schools e.crespo, though I suppose that might be out of date by now.

I am retired now, but to some oldies I would be a mere youngster.

Andy, it's nice to share with you.

[andy-hughes]

Thanks - you too x

[Eve]

Physical ability is one of my issues now. Things I used to do like dog walking and such at an animal sanctuary are probably out for me now. The more physically demanding side of caring based volunteering too, would struggle lifting and such.

Work I did with the local deaf club and workshops were ok though.

It was suggested I could join the local youth offenders panel though it just wouldn't fit with work which is a shame.

I did some student tutoring once, mainly with a blind student in main stream schooling and helping out in the special needs unit with reading and such. That was very undemanding physically and the kids were great. When I was studying languages at college I used to go back to my old school and help out at their language club so that kind of thing could be an option.