Volunteering..just not sure in what?

[TeenyWalesSouth]

I’m still working pt but looking to finish in a couple of years so would like to take on a volunteer role. Just not sure what in!

I work as an admin assistant but thought I might like something bit different.
Do any of you ladies volunteer to have any ideas or wise words??
Thank you so much

I’m a school governor which is a serious commitment, but I also do quite a lot of ad-hoc volunteering in the community, mostly in the outdoor environment, nature reserves, maintaining wildflower beds, litter picking etc. When I retire I am going to do loads more of the outdoor stuff, it is very sociable as well as rewarding work and there are all sorts of local groups.

I did a couple of years reading in schools with the Bookmark charity (others available) but there isn't a school near me participating at the moment. Have thought about switching to adult reading with read easy but don't want the commitment.
Cook a couple of times a month with FoodCycle which is rewarding and am now doing project leader training.
Long before retirement I volunteered in a local green space once a month, now I have more time I do more with them.
My local council holds a list of volunteer vacancies, there are all sorts of things.
DH volunteers at the local hospital changing role about every 6 months. Doesn't do much patient facing, more supporting clinics.

I’m considering being a volunteer driver when I retire, giving people lifts to hospital appointments.
Animal charities appeal, but it’s often said that you’ll end up spending all your time cleaning, because the newest volunteers are given the dullest chores!

Volunteer on education activities, at a local museum

I'm retiring at the end of July. I'm a School Business Manager and I want to do something completely different. I've always wanted to work with animals so I am going to look into volunteering at a local cat rescue (I have 3 rescues myself). DH is uneasy about it as he's worried I will get upset or, worse still, bring more cats home!

I work full time but also carry out weekly volunteer work. I’ve done a few different things over the years. I took disabled children on days out during the school holidays to give their parents a break (through a community group which shut down due to lack of funds), for a while I walked dogs at the local rescue centre (which I loved but it also got shut down because the charity owner was stealing money and neglecting the dogs), I took part in local litter picking events which I enjoyed (but I got disheartened when the areas were quickly refilled with people dumping rubbish). I’ve done some gardening at our local community garden (but didn’t have as much time to commit as they needed). For the last five years I’ve been working every weekend with animals at a local animal sanctuary and I love it. There’s a lot of cleaning up poop but it’s a great community of volunteers and we get thousands of visitors coming every year. I’m very attached to the animals and feel like I’m making a difference. Good luck OP. There are so many different volunteering opportunities out there. It’s just trial and error to find one that suits you.

Magistrate. Certainly interesting.

I'm in the process of volunteering for an adult reading scheme.

I'm at the same stage OP, I have joined the volunteer group at a local wildlife reserve and plan on contacting Riding for the Disabled in a year or 2.
I have thought about the food bank too, but I think 3 would be too much.

Ambulance service volunteer. Would love to do adult literacy but there isn't a scheme near me.

Volunteering is just a hobby that does good really. Do you have hobbies you enjoy? Or particular aspects of work?

This had crossed my mind. Can I ask if this is something you do? If so, please do share, thanks

How about volunteering for Citizens Advice? I have volunteered in the past and found the work very interesting. You phone/meet face to face a wide range of people and the work was never dull. Also the other volunteers were friendly and I still see a couple of them now.

It is something I do. I'm not retired but there are a lot who are.

Lots of info here. You can sign up to hear when there are vacancies in your area.
https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate

I volunteer for a national museum at two sites, mainly on learning/education projects and often with school groups. I've learned loads and gained some new skills. Every shift is different and I've had a lot of freedom to develop and follow my interests. I've just started a casual learning paid contract at another large museum as a result.

I also volunteer at a court with another education programme with schoolchildren and used to volunteer for Coram Beanstalk in a local primary school as a reading helper.

I used to do more ad hoc volunteering (school PTA etc) but I've found volunteering for a large outfit with professional volunteer managers, and training and development opportunities, much more rewarding and also enjoy having the the structure and boundaries.

What interests you as a person?
Is there anything you have a passion for, or a strong opinion about?
What sort of time investment are you thinking of? Would it be a short term or long term, and typically how many hours?

I’ve done a variety of volunteer roles, with an interest in children and families, education, mental health, women’s health, food security, sports (more of a supporting role not actually involved in the sport itself). Some have been six week period for a special annual event, others a year long commitment.

I’m a magistrate and happy to answer questions. I love it.

Do you like people? Do you have strong views about any particular social or political issues. Do you like animals?

I’d suggest working out what would give you satisfaction and then looking in that particular area.