Voluntary Work in later life

If you feel that you have something to offer - advice, experience, or just time, then there are lots of ways to help. But how do you get in touch with voluntary organisations? Below we provide a small selection of UK organisations that may be of interest to you. Also, take a look at our Guide to Voluntary Work. Firstly, however, there are many local sources of information:

• Your local council will probably have someone who is responsible for liaising with local voluntary organisations, so ask them.
• The library will also have information
• The local paper will, from time to time at least, have advertisements by local voluntary organisations
• Many high streets now have a premises run by the local voluntary organisations and staffed by volunteers who will advise you of opportunities in your area.

Go to www.do-it.org.uk and search for your nearest volunteer bureau. The web site enables you to search by post code for any particular interest you have in the voluntary sector. Many of the organisations that you will find are members of The National Association of Volunteer Bureaux, whom you will see mentioned on many of the web sites.

Donate Your Brain

For over 25 years the charity REACH (The Retired Executives Action Clearing House) has been helping people with managerial, professional, or business experience find interesting and challenging opportunities within voluntary organisations where their skills and expertise are urgently needed and highly valued.

Busy people with a just a small amount of time to give and an interest in continuing to use and develop their career skills for the benefit of a worthwhile cause are welcome to take advantage of this free service.

Our recent series Reports from the Reach files profiles different people and the voluntary work activities they got involved in via Reach - this can give you a real feel for the variety of ways you might become involved.

For more information about the wide range of volunteering opportunities they offer throughout the UK contact REACH on 020 7582 6543 or see the REACH website.

Volunteering England works to promote volunteering as a powerful force for change, both for those who volunteer and for the wider community. This web site offers a range of resources for anyone who works with or manages volunteers as well as to those who want to volunteer. If you live in Wales, go to www.volunteering-wales.net to find out about volunteering in Wales. Likewise, click on www.volunteerscotland.org.uk for opportunities in Scotland.

If you want to volunteer for overseas work, go to www.vso.org.uk. Volunteers can be aged up to 75 and, since their merger with BESO in 2005, they now offer short-term assignments. Volunteering overseas can be tremendously rewarding and, if you feel adventurous, look at the web site.

Another interesting site for voluntary work overseas is www.gapsforgrumpies.com This organisation provides the over 40s with the opportunity to do five-week community development projects with similarly grumpy middle-aged/older people in one of five countries – Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Peru or Fiji. You can then stay on for a two to three week holiday/safari/adventure in that country. To find out more, ring 07983 580844.

The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action is, to quote from them, 'the national voice of local voluntary and community sector infrastructure in England. Our 360 members work with 140,000 local community groups and voluntary organisations which provide services, regenerate neighbourhoods, increase volunteering and tackle discrimination, in partnership with local public bodies'. To find out more, visit the website and you will be able to access voluntary organisations in your area.

Toc H 

This is a Christian backed voluntary society, but being a Christian is not necessary if you want to help. On this site you can find out more information, how TOC H is organised and how you can join.