Benefits of volunteering

Why spend precious leisure time volunteering?

The first and foremost reason is of course because it is terrific FUN!

But also:

• It is a great way to meet new people and gain a new circle of friends
• If you are isolated through ill-health or geography it helps to connect you to like minded people
• It provides a structure for the day, which can be missing in retirement
• You have the opportunity to gain new skills and be trained in new areas of expertise
• You have the opportunity to pass on the skills and wisdom you have acquired during a lifetime
• Your community will benefit from your time and experience
• American research shows that the health of older people who volunteer is significantly better than people who do not

---

What they say ...

Tom volunteered to assist the tutor in a computer learning project and found that "I’ve improved my own computer skills no end!"

Evelyn is a very active person who worked in television until retiring. She said "I love working with young people, I think it keeps me young and healthy!"

Margaret, whose group knits Trauma Teddies, says "I enjoy RSVP - meeting people, new people, and the outings. It gives me a new outlook on life and I have made new friends".