to ask how I can make a difference?

[Caligraph]

I am stuck in a bit of a vicious circle - don't feel there's much purpose to my life, so am.getting a bit withdrawn / isolated. I wondered if anyone here could help me work out what to do. I'd like to feel that the fact I've existed will make some difference.

I'm in my forties, single following end of long term relationship. I think too late for children. I can support myself quite well financially in the job I'm in, but I moved from frontline to management a few years ago and I miss the work I did directly supporting people. Need to keep up full time hours - single life is expensive. Close to family but we are private and self sufficient people.

I'm not the kind of person who lights up a room. I can't drive (health reasons) and I can't volunteer during work hours. I've no unusual skills but I'm quick and competent with numbers and IT, I get on with people, I can write up a report or deal with emails pretty competently. I'd be happy to do training if I could fit it in.

I do give to various charities regularly. When I was younger I volunteered but it all seemed less formal then and my time was more flexible. I live 90 minutes or so from the nearest big city and 30 minutes from local town, so fitting opportunities in is tough.

This isn't meant to be a moan. My life is okay but I feel it's a bit pointless. I feel that if there was a good cause I could work on, maybe online from home, maybe contributing some of the funds I'd sent elsewhere, I might be able to do a lot. I've name changed because I normally keep personal details quite light here. I wonder if anyone here has any sense of what I might be able to contribute where I wouldn't just be edging other people out or making up numbers?

@Caligraph

I didn't know that about Samaritans and actually something with a balance of remote independent work with occasional events could be nice. I'll bear that in mind.

For the events you want the Festival branch of Samaritans . They recruit early in the calendar year but you can presumably apply at any point

Read ‘Yes To Life In Spite of Everything’ by Victor Frankl

Treasurer/ bookkeeper for a local charity? Since you are good with numbers and IT. Lots of people don't like working with numbers so you might be much appreciated.

Are there any local community centres or community development groups in your area? Not sure if they are a thing in the UK but they are in Ireland. They rent out their hall space, run courses, classes, groups etc, hold seasonal events. They could use someone with admin/IT/social media skills to advertise events, help with funding applications etc. Sounds like small fry stuff but are vital in communities.

I think you would have a lot to offer as a mentor to a young person. The fact you are quieter will make you a good match with some of them who don’t need another overpowering personality in their life but someone kind and willing to listen. You’ve worked supporting people so will have many of the skills needed. And if you are considering fostering later on it would be a good step towards that.

Good for you, afaik volunteering with older people even weekly phone calls
makes a massive difference to their life.
Friends come in all ages.
What about a random course art or even knitting for you, a new skills even small ones offer a boost.

I would feel out of place as a childless woman getting involved with mother and baby groups, scouts, guides etc. I feel as if the other volunteers would tend to be parents and a lot of the conversation child centred

Actually those organisations are crying out for people happy to do the 'behind the scenes' roles - Chair, Secretary, Treasurer. Same as many youth sports teams. They tend to have people who will coach the team, but struggle to find people to do the books. Ditto Scouts - people who like lighting fires and going camping volunteer, but every Group - and also District and County - need Trustees.

I also think the school Governor suggestion is a good one.
It is a lot of responsibility and - particularly in deprived areas - schools really struggle to find people with the skills to take on the role. You sound like it might be right up your street.

Advice lines (any experience in a particular field/issue- a lot are 24 hour)?
My local hospital in non covid times has a volunteer service. You'd need DBS checking, I think. Anything from the tea bar to a visiting service.

Sometimes being shy is ok for volunteering with elderly. Many people don’t like someone too “loud” and like the chance to have someone listen to them. Just a thought.

have a look here too: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

How about looking at volunteer positions for National Trust or similar
Or some local environment or wildlife groups

@Caligraph You're more than welcome. All the very best with whatever you decide to do.

Let us know if possible what you go for, OP. You sound lovely.