Insights from a Community Connector

We caught up with Laura who volunteers for our Community Connecting Service. She tells us how this service helps older people stay connected and valued.

Q) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

My name is Laura and I volunteer for the Community Connecting service. I combine my volunteering with my role as Information Writer for Age Scotland. I started my career as a copywriter while living in London, Vancouver and Brighton, before making the decision to break away from the corporate environment. I then worked as an occupational therapy assistant on a dementia ward for several years before a brief spell as a carer support worker for the Alzheimer's Society.

Q) Can you tell us what Age Scotland’s Community Connecting Service is? 

Community Connecting is a friendship service that support older adults across Scotland, by linking them in with community organisations that offer friendship, social activities, health and fitness groups and events.

Q) Why did you choose to volunteer for the Community Connecting Service?

I really enjoy connecting with people and missed having this as part of my day-to-day role. It gives me the perfect opportunity to speak with older people who use our services, emphasising the meaning of the work I do in my role behind the scenes.

Q) Why do you feel the Community Connecting service is so valuable to older people?

Having spoken to just one lady, it brought home to me the challenge of navigating the world without the use of the internet. It also showed me that Community Connecting is more than just providing information. It was amazing to hear her confidence grow over the three months we spoke to each other as we built a connection and made plans for her to move forward.

Q) Can you share any highlights from your time as a Community Connector for Age Scotland?

My highlight was most definitely the week that one of the ladies I support immediately told me how excited she was about trying some exercise classes. Our calls were quite slow to start with and this was a turning point showing that we had built a rapport. This was the moment I understood the true value of Community Connecting.

Q) What has surprised you since becoming a Community Connector at Age Scotland?

I've found that Community Connecting is a much slower burn than I expected. For instance, it took a good few weeks and a few setbacks before we hit on the idea that my caller would benefit from having someone with her to take the first step. I was then able to refer her to a couple of short-term befriending services which I thought would help her to get past the first hurdle. She also decided she’d like to try exercise classes to get stronger, to give her the confidence to try other things and go further afield.

Q) What do you think makes a great volunteer Community Connector for Age Scotland?

Someone with the patience to build a connection with someone, a passion for research and the ability to come up with creative solutions.

Q) What advice would you give anyone considering volunteering as a Community Connector?

If you love getting to know people in order to help them, and you have a few spare hours a week, I'd highly reccomend volunteering. Once you get started, take your time in developing a good understanding of the person you are speaking to. You will not only be gaining information about the best match for them, but you'll also be helping to build up their confidence to take the first step.