Case Studies

Sandy, 70, from Stirling has been volunteering with our Handyperson Project for the past 10 years and he told us what a day in his volunteer role looks like.

As part of our Older People Focus week, Nora told us about her experience of being part of HealthLink, which supports older people to get to their healthcare appointments.

As part of our older people's focus week, we chatted to one of our long-serving volunteers about her experience as a telephone befriender, and found out what motivates her in her role.

Audrey, 53, from Alloa, is a volunteer befriender with Help at Hand Befriending. She was matched with Mouyra, 87 also from Alloa, earlier this year and the pair quickly bonded over their shared love of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

'I never thought that I could ever have had so many lovely experiences from a bunch of Scottish children but now that I look back, I am sure that they have taught me more than anyone else.'

Angela volunteered with Active Volunteering Barnet, and she feels she has gone from strength to strength in confidence, happiness and people skills.

'I originally thought as a befriender I was there just to give my young person time out from their family life and to allow them to have some fun whilst also helping them make positive choices going forward in their lives. I didn’t think for one minute how much I would benefit and gain from being a befriender.'

"If you’re not sure whether you’re the right person to be a reading volunteer, then think again.   Some aspect of your life will contribute something to the school and I believe personality and an interest in education matters as much as personal circumstances. Once you give it a go, stay with it – you’ll get more confident and the rewards will come!”

We see the pupils who have a dedicated reading volunteer grow in confidence, not just in their reading but in their overall class participation.

We are very to pleased welcome Aviva as a new client for team volunteering. Aviva provides around 31 million customers worldwide with insurance, savings and investment products. The partnership has got off to a great start already and engaged with 10 regional offices with active teams of volunteers in Norwich, Eastleigh, Perth, Sheffield, Bristol, Liverpool … Continued