Voluntary work
You can do voluntary work at any age. Even if you give an hour or two a week, it can make a real difference.
Whether you want to help children learn to read or help in the arts, sports or the environment, there could be an opportunity locally just right for you. Your skills and experience will make a real difference whatever you decide to do. And for you, volunteering can help you keep active, meet people and have fun.
You have a range of skills and experiences that you have built up over your lifetime - skills that are invaluable to many organisations in your community. And they don't have to be the skills you gained from work. You will be good at other things as well. From helping people who find it difficult to get about with their shopping, or listening to school children read, to providing legal advice for a local charity, volunteers make a vital contribution to all aspects of community life.
So go on - have a go!
In England your local Volunteer Centre can provide opportunities for older volunteers. You can find out about how to get involved on the Volunteering England website. You can also phone Volunteering England on 0845 305 6979. Lines are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Do it
In Wales you can find information about volunteering on the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) website or you can also email the WCVA on enquiries@wcva.org.uk, or phone on 029 2043 1700. You can also phone the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme on 029 2039 0477. Both lines are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
If you live in Scotland, your local Volunteer Centre can provide opportunities
for older volunteers. The number of your local Volunteer Centre will be
in the phone book.
Find out about local volunteering
opportunities on the Volunteer Centre Network website
Find out more information on the National Database for Volunteering Opportunities website
Did you know...?
People over 75 can apply for a free TV licence?
See our Travel and leisure section for more information.