Approximately two thirds of WRVS volunteers are aged 65 and
over. Volunteers at WRVS’ King George VI Club in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent
range in age between mid twenties to mid eighties. Many volunteers
come to learn new skills, for company or simply because they want to give something
back to the community they live in. Hazel, who recently started volunteering
at the Centre, is typical of many.
“I recently retired from work and have always had a very active life;
I wanted something to keep myself busy,” she says. “When you retire
from work, you haven’t retired from living. A lot of people come just for
company; it’s great to feel that someone needs you.”
Brenda, now in
her eighties, has been a cook for the Meals on Wheels service for most of
her working life. She retired when she was 62 but 18 years on, she
still works as a WRVS volunteer. She comes in once a week to help in the tea
bar and take orders for lunches.
Many people might think that after
a lifetime of serving food, Brenda might be happy to take a well earned rest
from the kitchen. But she simply says, “I
feel better when I’ve been; I hope I’ll be able to help out for some
time to come.”
Sheila is one of two ladies with learning difficulties who volunteers by helping
to sell raffle tickets and clear tables at the
centre.
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