During Volunteers’ Week, we are excited to celebrate our long-term volunteers. Some of our volunteers have been with us since the 1990s back when we were known as CSV (Community Service Volunteers). We were thrilled to hear from Colin, who has volunteered with our RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme) for around thirty years. Colin shared some very special memories of his time volunteering with us, including meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“My time volunteering with Volunteering Matters has been an amazing experience. It has allowed me to grow in so many ways, taught me countless things, and constantly illustrated to me what a brilliant charity Volunteering Matters is.”
“I started volunteering with Volunteering Matters when it was called CSV in the 1990s, helping to run the City of London branch of RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme).
I’ve really enjoyed volunteering, especially meeting new people and working with Social Services for the first time. It was eye-opening to understand the problems and needs of the community, and I realised the vital role that volunteering plays in my community. Volunteering also provided a great opportunity to learn new skills, such as IT, which although I hadn’t needed in earlier years, find very useful now. It’s great to see how volunteering can provide a personal role for individuals, especially those over 50.
I’ve had some great experiences during my time as a volunteer. One memorable moment was meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II at the CSV 50th celebration at St. James’s Palace and introducing her to various volunteers. I was also invited to ‘Tea in the House of Lords’ to celebrate CSV volunteering activities. Additionally, I attended exhibitions of RSVP-produced items such as knitted garments and blankets for the NHS, and met foreign diplomats who helped us spread the word. On a different note, I also worked at job fairs in the community, promoting volunteering as a positive activity and a good route back into paid work. Volunteering has allowed me to meet a diverse group of people.
My time volunteering with Volunteering Matters has been an amazing experience. It has allowed me to grow in so many ways, taught me countless things, and constantly illustrated to me what a brilliant charity Volunteering Matters is. The organisation has shown its ability to develop and be flexible in coping with all the demands placed on us by society.”
Feeling inspired?
If Colin’s story has inspired you to volunteer, take a look at our opportunities and start your journey today.
