The Retired and Senior Volunteering Programme (RSVP) in Forth Valley covers Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire and is run by volunteer organisers. Like other RSVP projects RSVP Forth Valley relies on local fundraising and small grants from organisations such as the Rotary.
Volunteers use their skills to support people in their local community. Changing a lightbulb or replacing a tap washer for someone unable to do this themselves, listening to children reading, or making a cup of tea for someone waiting in the Emergency Department are all tasks that many older people can do and enjoy doing.
Walking groups are led by trained volunteers and provide physical and mental health well-being through exercise and social interaction. Knitting groups support activity in the home and as a group at the regular coffee mornings. Knitted goods are distributed in the local community and sometimes to charities working abroad.
Volunteering provides an opportunity to share experiences and to use skills developed over a lifetime. It helps reduce social isolation and enables people to meet and make new friends. It is a way to “give back” to the local community.
