Volunteering Opportunities for Older People

The phrase that “60 is the new 40” applies to many older persons approaching retirement.  VSB can help to advise you on a range of volunteering opportunities to suit your lifestyle and time commitments.  Those aged 50+ can get involved in a range of exciting projects ranging from arts (music, drama/crafts and photography) mentoring, intergenerational projects through to more traditional activities like fund-raising, committee work and charity shops.  You may have a desire to use skills that you have developed to date or pursue interests that you did not have the time to do when working.  We can help you to identify opportunities best suited to your circumstances.

Older Volunteers take over the Airwaves!

Volunteer Now has been involved in helping older volunteers to develop their own radio programme on community radio in Belfast.  The radio programme is called afternoon delight and is broadcast on 103.2 FM on Monday afternoons from 2.30pm-3.30pm.  Volunteers help to plan, develop and broadcast the programme and have developed links with similar programmes in Dublin.  Contact suzanne@vsb.org.uk for more information.

Unlocking Potential

Are you over 60? Are you interested in: · Learning new skills or putting existing skills to use? · Meeting new people? · Staying healthy and active? · Having fun? If so, then why not volunteer!

Unlocking Potential is a 5 year project funded by Atlantic Philanthropies, which aims to:

· Challenge attitudes and raise awareness of the contribution and benefits of Volunteering.

· Increase the number of volunteers aged 60+.

· Improve access to and develop opportunities for people aged 60+ that meet their expectations and positively impact on communities.

· Enhance, through the volunteering experience, the quality of life of people aged 60+ in relation to equality, social inclusion, support and health issues.

Volunteering is rewarding and has so much to offer older people and people who are retired.

The Unlocking potential project can support you to find a volunteer opportunity to suit your lifestyle and interests.

If you are a member of an older persons group we would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and deliver a short information session about what volunteering can offer you.  If you would like to find out more contact Helen at VSB for information about the latest opportunities or subscribe to our Newsletter. You can visit www.volunteernow.co.uk to see what is available in your area, details on upcoming events and read about the experiences of other older people who have got involved in volunteering and never looked back. Tel: 028 90 200 850 Email: helen.connelly@volunteernow.co.uk