Being a volunteer

Being a volunteer with Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent

Pat Whitlock (by kind permission) talks about volunteering

“I decided I wanted to be a volunteer with Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent after I retired in April 2010. I started by helping out with the exercise classes which was a new challenge for me! I then also helped out in one of the charity shops. Sadly I lost my husband in 2012 and stopped my voluntary work for a while. I eventually went back to helping out in the shop, Hillingdon borough tea dances and also started at Chapel Court in the office.

I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of being back in an office environment (which was my previous work history). I feel I am doing something positive and useful. Volunteering has helped me through a difficult time and given me a purpose. I have met great people, made new friends and hope I can carry on volunteering into a good old age!”

To see a video of how volunteers talking about their volunteering experience click here