Volunteering Opportunities
There are numerous voluntary groups and services in Adur which support local older people. They all rely to some extent on voluntary help. Some are in desperate need of new volunteers so they can keep existing services going. Others want to expand what they do because they have to run a waiting list or say ´no´ to requests for help too often. Just as there are great numbers of groups, there are limitless ways they can benefit from the collective talents of the people of Adur. For example, could you help with:
Bookkeeping – Tea-making – Cooking – Driving – Gardening – Writing – Social skills – Handyman – Befriending – Sports/Dance instruction – Organising – Demonstrating hobbies – Washing up – Administration
See the groups listed in our Groups database. If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can help one of them, contact either:
Val Garland & Pam Simons
Adur Volunteer Centre
Other ways to help
The CPT
Volunteers can help Adur and Worthing Community Partnership Team to keep in touch with and support the older people they assist. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer – particularly if you are an older person – please get in touch!
AOPN
Sometimes there are opportunities available to support Adur Older Persons’ Network staff. This might range from helping out Community Engagement Workers by distributing leaflets, to supporting the Publicity Officer to organise an event. Contact Val & Pam to find out if they could use your help.
Two-way benefits
Meet new people, make new friends, improve your skills, gain experience – volunteers get all this and more. Getting involved can be rewarding, but not just for those on the receiving end of your help and support!
Consider this. Recent academic research (2008) shows that people who spend time volunteering make a positive impact on their own health, improving:
- Longevity
- Family relationships
- Self-esteem
- Quality of life,
And reducing:
- Depression
- Stress
- Pain
Download a summary of the research.