Health and social care is one of the largest volunteering sectors in the UK. This includes organisations like the NHS and charities which improve the wellbeing of people of all ages. So what do helpers actually get involved with? The opportunities are more diverse than we imagined as our bloggers reveal.

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Friday Nov 21, 2008

So, I've decided to volunteer

Hello, I’m Jasmine, I’m 29, and live in Hertfordshire with my fiancé.  I work full-time for a Government agency and will be starting an Open University course soon.

I’ve been thinking about volunteering for a long time.  I made a few half hearted efforts to start but didn’t follow them up.  And of course there were other things using up my energy like different jobs and a part-time college course.

So what made me ‘Do-It’ this time?  Well I always said I’d do something when I was more settled in life.  So one evening whilst watching a fantastic program on Channel 4 Called The Secret Millionaire with my fiancé I made the decision. There might be a turning point for you like that when you realise you have to help.  Lets hope it won’t be too much like my turning point and involve crying at the TV, using up all the tissues and worrying your partner!  Maybe I should stop watching these programs!

I volunteered via do-it.org.uk, which was so easy to use, and even though I knew what I wanted to do, I had a good look through all the different categories to see what was there.

I want to help the elderly. I’ve always had a special affinity with older people and enjoy spending time with them, listening to their stories and being amazed by their quiet wisdom. 

I work full-time and I have a home and a fiancé to look after, so I thought I’d start with something small, and then do more later if I could. Age Concern’s befriending scheme looked really right for me, so I signed up.  Barbara* popped round with some forms and we had a nice chat about what my hobbies and interests were and she explained the process and what was expected of me.  The system is set up to ensure you aren’t overly burdened and they recognise you are giving your time and have other commitments.  It was good to be made aware of some of the issues the elderly face so I was prepared.  By the end I was enlightened and certainly more excited about starting.

I’m due to meet with 96 year old Eva* this week and I can’t wait.  Barbara* thinks we’ll get on well, and I really hope so.  It could be a new chapter in my life as well as hers.

Tune in next time to find out how we got on!

Jasmine J

*Name’s have been changed to protect identities.

Posted by Jasmine ( 4:28 PM )
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