By Diane, RSVP Volunteer Organiser

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) is a programme within Volunteering Matters that provides opportunities for people aged 50 and over to use their energy, enthusiasm and experience to improve the health and wellbeing of others, reduce social isolation and alleviate disadvantage in their communities

Since leaving my post as Project Manager for Welcome Friends Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) over a year ago, I was really pleased to be able to continue as a Volunteer Organiser with RSVP Wales.

This was a role that originally introduced me to Volunteering Matters many years ago when I ran various groups in the area. I held cookery classes and reminiscence projects in primary schools and WWII workshops throughout Cardiff and RCT for three years.

Then part of my new job was to set up groups in RCT, to help alleviate isolation and loneliness in the over 50’s. This took the form of a monthly Lunch Club, organising various community halls and care homes for afternoon teas, a quiz group and a weekly knitting and craft group in Pontyclun.

As I was now ‘Retired’ I was pleased to be able to continue running the craft group which started ten years ago and is still going strong. We meet every Monday morning with around 20 people attending  and they enjoy knitting, crocheting, board games and producing amazing crafts.

Over the years we have donated hundreds of blankets, hats, scarves and mitts to local homeless charities; over a thousand Trauma Teddies to the Fire Service and Ambulances and raised enough money at our Christmas Fayres to support our group with wool and craft items.

Our recent project was helping to raise awareness and money for Dementia and Alzheimer’s societies by making blue decorations for the village and Cafe 50 where we meet.         

I am supported by four amazing volunteers, Betty, Christine, Sheila and Nicky who have made our group such a continuing success.

Feeling inspired?

We have a range of ways you can volunteer with Volunteering Matters.