Chance to join charity's fantastic volunteers

The fun and the sense of fulfilment that comes with being a volunteer will be in the spotlight at an open day at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s Shrewsbury office in June.

‘Frankly, it’s our fantastic team of volunteers, from every walk of life and ranging in age from 18 to 90, that keeps our extraordinary range of services for older people going’ said Kevin Moore, Director of Operations.

‘Without this dedicated team, we simply couldn’t provide our much-needed services, services that do so much to alleviate loneliness and isolation among older people.’

‘But we’re always on the lookout for more volunteers to join us and that’s why we’re having this drop-in. It’ll be a great opportunity for people to pop by and see us, find out more about the organisation, and chat about the latest opportunities that are available.’

Kevin added: ‘Our volunteers tell us that they gain an enormous amount from the role: not only are you helping people in your community, but you’ll also be having fun, meeting new people and maintaining a sense of purpose and a sense of fulfilment.’

‘We’ll have our team leaders on hand to chat about how people can get involved.’

Dean Suter is a befriending volunteer for Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin. He says: ‘I have volunteered as a befriender for the past five years now and I absolutely love it. It’s hugely enjoyable and it’s also so satisfying to know you are alleviating that awful feeling of loneliness that some older people have. It’s all about companionship. I’d recommend it to anyone.’

Whether it’s visiting an older person at home to provide companionship and help combat loneliness, or becoming a telephone buddy, or organising a fund-raising event, new volunteers are needed to help the charity deliver its wide range of services across the county.

The organisation is also looking for people who could help to provide a great day out by lending a hand at one of their day centres or dementia support groups, or who could help older people with computer skills.

The drop-in takes place at the charity’s Shrewsbury town centre offices in Bellstone on 5 June, from 10.00am-3.00pm as part of Volunteers' Week.

To find out more, call us on 01743 233 123 or email volunteering@ageukstw.org.uk