Age Scotland need more volunteers to help improve the lives of elderly people
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AGE Scotland is calling for more volunteers to join their friendship and helpline teams and to make a difference to the lives of older people.
The charity currently has a wide variety of volunteering roles available to people across Highland.
People change become a friendship caller, assist the national helpline, support the veterans community and help older people get connected to local services.
Age Scotland research has revealed that 218,000 over 50s in Scotland say they feel lonely all or most of the time.
Their Community Connecting Service links older adults up with organisations that offer friendship, fitness and social activities.
Laura Stenhouse, head of Telephony Services at Age Scotland, said: “We have the privilege of seeing first-hand the positive impact volunteers have on the lives of older people, their families and carers across Scotland on a daily basis and know that there is so much work that simply wouldn’t be possible without their ongoing passion and generosity.
“We have home-based and office volunteering opportunities available. Usually all you need to volunteer from home is access to the internet, a laptop/ tablet or computer, headphones and a mobile phone.
“So, if you have a few spare hours each week, we’d be delighted to have you as part of our team!”
Speaking about his experience on the Age Scotland friendship line, volunteer Jamie added: “It is such a simple thing to have a conversation with someone but, in this context, it makes a huge difference to the person. It may be the only contact they have with the outside world for days, so hearing a friendly voice really makes a difference.
“People are so appreciative of the service and for me personally it has been immensely rewarding, knowing that I have made a positive impact to someone's week by taking time to talk and listen.”
Visit www.age.scot/volunteer or get in touch by calling 0333 32 32 400 or emailing volunteering@agescotland.org.uk.
