Volunteers’ Week – It’s a chance to say thank you for the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK and a great way to recognise and thank all our volunteers, for all the amazing things they’re doing to help us make a difference.
David says when the pandemic hit us he was retired and had been looking after his wife who has sever dementia. She has now gone into a nursing home and he found that he needed something to occupy his time.
‘I have always had a busy role in sales, and since retiring, I wanted to continue to meet people. After 50 years of marriage, and my wife moving into a nursing home, I really needed to meet new people to help with loneliness.
I had been in hospital a few times in recent history I wanted to this opportunity to offer something back to the NHS. Originally, I signed up to help those self-isolating at home, but I found I still had more time and energy to offer so I registered to help with the vaccination programme. Initially I signed up with another organisation, but I found VAL had built a good reputation amongst other volunteers so I chose to go via that route instead.
Volunteering in this way has allowed me the flexibility to spend time with my wife in the mornings, and to volunteer at the vaccination sites in the afternoon. I have been able to keep my mind active and meet new people. Volunteering has kept me sane. I have met nice people with similar needs to me.’
Get involved in volunteering
If you’re inspired to get involved in volunteering, you can find out more on our VAL Volunteering website.
If you’re a voluntary, community or social enterprise organisation who wants more support with recruiting or managing volunteers, you can get in touch with us via:
helpline@valonline.org.uk
0116 257 5050