Blog: Volunteers' Week Q&A
At Age Scotland, we have the privilege of seeing first-hand the positive impact our volunteers have on the lives of older adults, 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.
Taking place between 1-7 June every year, Volunteers’ Week is a time to recognise and thank volunteers and shine a spotlight on the difference they make.
We caught up with our workshops and friendship caller volunteer, Ann Gillies, to find out more about her role with Age Scotland.
Tell us about your role and how long you have been a volunteer.
I cover two volunteering roles within AGE Scotland. I facilitate and deliver parts of Planning for Your Future workshops and I make Friendship Calls. I've been volunteering with AGE Scotland for touching five years.
What made you want to volunteer with Age Scotland and how did you get involved?
I attended a PFYF workshop some years before I actually retired and at that time someone from AGE planted the seed to me that I might think about facilitating the workshop when I did retire, so when I was deciding how I would fill my time in retirement, that little seed sprouted into life and I applied to join the team. I was impressed by both the professionalism and caring attitude of the organisation, including being impressed by it's aims.
It is one of the very best, and most needed organisations in the UK. I was subsequently approached by the Friendship Calls team during COVID and was very willing to give some time chatting and taking interest in lonely, elderly people.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer because I can! I have time and I have some skills that seem to fit with the needs of what I do within the organisation. It feels good to give time (the greatest resource of all) to AGE Scotland. The rewards are worth more than words can say - the satisfaction of doing something to either help the organisation financially, or in making someone's day a little brighter exceed that of spending time just doing other 'stuff'. I have to say also that I feel valued as a volunteer - I feel supported, I'm thanked regularly, and my opinion is sought on occasion too.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
If you are thinking of volunteering, there are a number of avenues you can investigate. I'd say think about what you feel good at, what you are interested in (or like doing) and look at what is required - where these three answers cross over will give an indication of when you might start looking. When you settle on something, treat applying in the same way as you would any paid job.
Do you have a favourite volunteering story you would like to share?
In the course of my work with the Workshops team, I've visited some beautiful workplaces, and have met a number of lovely, talented people, throughout Scotland. And those I work with in the team are encouraging, capable volunteers too. With the Friendship calls, I chat with older people who have had such wonderful, exciting life stories to tell. It's a fabulous feeling to by greeted by 'ah, I was hoping it would be you today, Ann'.
Anything else you would like to add?
These last five years have gone by so quickly. I loved my paid job pre-retirement, it really was the best place to work. I never imagined I'd feel as blessed again but working within AGE Scotland certainly rates alongside by previous lifelong employment.
Huge thanks to Ann for taking the time to answer our questions. If you've been inspired by her experiences, find out more about our volunteering opportunities at www.age.scot/volunteer.
