Judith's Story

Judtih Scott chats with our Community Engagement Team on why she enjoys volunteering for Age UK Hertfordshire. Judith is a volunteer for our Information & Advice Service (I&A) and has been volunteering for us for 18 months.

Why did you choose to volunteer for Age UK Hertfordshire?

A work colleague/friend from Barnet told me that she was taking older people to hospitals, clubs etc. I didn't fancy that as I couldn't help anyone in or out of a car because of my own disabilities. I looked on Age UK Herts website and thought I'd fancy doing the I&A tasks, supporting people to complete benefit forms etc.

Tell my a little bit about your background?

I have been working in the social care sector since 1979 - such a along time! I spent 14 years at London Borough of Barnet as a Review & Assessment Officer, mainly with older people/disabled then later on with 0-25 years, children/young adults with disabilities such as autism - I loved it!

I worked from home doing all computer work, paperwork with support from ATW and my managers, and until two years ago I was made redundant, and was offer another job just didn't pass the interview. I've worked full time almost 52 years and here i am now volunteering for Age UK Herts.

What does typical volunteering day involve?

I love arranging face to face visits to support someone with applying for a benefit allowance, mainly Attendance Allowance and Blue Badge.

I take great great pleasure in hearing that we have been shortlisted for the 'Community Champion Award' presented by Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce - so self-satisfying. Smug!!!

How has your volunteering role changed during COVID-19?

It's not good really, but I can't do a lot about that, I am just waiting to get back out there. I do have the occasional client to support over the phone with an AA application, asking the questions and completing the form for them - but it's nothing like the face to face visits which I love as it's often a welfare visit as well and a lot more can be seen of someone by a visit.

Would you recommend volunteering for Age UK Hertfordshire?

Yes I would and I have through social media - there is something for everyone to do. It's such a rewarding thing to do, in whatever time someone has to offer, gives support to someone who couldn't make the application and it is very satisfying