Blog: Volunteers' Week Q&A with our Community Connector, Gordon

Taking place from June 3rd-9th this year, Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of volunteers and their contribution to society.

At Age Scotland, our dedicated team of volunteers across our services have a hugely positive impact on the lives of older people, their families and carers. We’re so grateful for their passion and generosity and know there is so much work that simply wouldn’t be possible without them. 

One such service is Community Connecting, aiming to link older people across Scotland with organisations offering friends, social activities, health and fitness groups, and events in their local area.

Callers are paired with a Community Connector volunteer for a period of up to three months, who takes the time to learn more about their interests via weekly phone calls - offering information, support, encouragement and a friendly chat.

We caught up with our Community Connector volunteer, Gordon, to find out more about his experience over the past two years.  

What made you want to volunteer with Age Scotland and how did you first get involved?

After retiring from my job, I still wanted to offer a service to the public. I checked the Age Scotland website to see what options were open to me.

Why is volunteering important to you?

I have worked full time for 45 years and feel it is important to still keep the brain active and have things to do. Volunteering where I am helping others fulfil their goal is a good way to spend some of my time.

It is interesting to support a diverse range of service users who for various reasons have approached Age Scotland to increase their social interaction.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?

I certainly would recommend volunteering - it gives you a sense of self-worth and pleasure helping others.