Is volunteering selfish?

We need to be aware of the risks, the best we can do is not to disturb the young who help us. We may not survive it if we get sick, in which case no one will feel better.

I think there are so many volunteers now that it should be possible to find people who are younger and who have no known health conditions.

You should definitely not be volunteering in that capacity. There may be something else you can do.
You could speak to isolated people on the phone and put them in touch with help.

Or maybe shop for a neighbour along with your own.
We are shielding and I find it hard being suddenly thrust into the "vulnerable" category when a few weeks ago I was the one in charge!

You BOTH make the vulnerable list so in those circumstances I wouldn't volunteer

I may be wrong of course, but I suspect your work have issued a blanket request to their staff and wouldn’t single you out or assume medical circumstances. If they were doing their own ‘screening’ and only asking some of their staff to volunteer, there would be uproar !

PS I am really missing my befriended child and his mum during this crisis.

This post isn't about this Covid19 crisis, but an attempt to answer the question "Is volunteering selfish?"
I do two bits of volunteering, one is joining the local litter-picking group (definitely selfish as I loathe litter and also enjoy the company of the other litter-pickers). The other is volunteering for a local charity which befriends children who could do with a bit more opportunity than their families are able to provide. It is sort of selfish because I can use the skills from my profession (secondary-school teacher) which is satisfying, but really I enjoy doing stuff with a kid, often on their own, sometimes with other family members. What's not to like?

In your position, I would not do it for health reasons.

Even without the health reasons, I think I'd look for a volunteering opportunity nearer than 12 miles away.

The reason diabetics are at extra risk is because the virus can attack the heart. Unless your HgA1c is less than 6 (old money...), you are at direct risk; and then of course there's the danger to your husband.

Here in Ireland it is 'essential travel' only so I think that rules out 12 mile trip. You will be free to find some other opportunity to be of help. Even just being at home ...

I think you should gracefully decline, giving the reasons you gave us.

No, you must not put yourself or your OH at risk. You say you only have type 2 diabetes! There's more to type 2 than many people realise. Do you not realise the complication and effect this condition can have on our bodies?
I also have asthma, last year a chesty cold put me in hospital for several days with extreme breathing difficulties; I should add that my asthma is very well managed. Why would you put you DH at risk?

I think you you should turn it down. I think we all think we are fitter and less at risk than we are. I have been trying to persuade my 65 year old husband that he is not invincible. We have been following the social distance rules etc but I just don't think he really appreciates how at risk we are and he gets annoyed every time I remind him to wash his hands after he's been out etc

There are times when you need to think of yourself first, yes it would be good volunteering but if you get ill there is the risk to your husband as well as yourself. Take care stay safe

I don`t understand why you question if volunteering is selfish.

if you want to volunteer , as requested, sounds a bit like the old army joke,, I want volunteers, you , you and you!

I digress

you want to volunteer as requested?? not selfish, bit unrealistic,,

I am finding, well I found out a long time ago, where my responsibitilies (sp?) should be..

I can understand if you feel that you would like to do more in this surreal life we are now flung

but we have to do what we have to do, and sometimes that means we can`t do everything we would like to do

if you get my drift

My daughter wanted to volunteer to help with transport or shopping for people as she has been furloughed. She is in her twenties but they won’t accept her help because she has asthma.

Thank you Marydoll and I'm sorry to hear about the delay with your biologics. I was fortunate to have a good response with injectable Methotrexate but I feel for you flaring at the moment
Iam64 glad that biologics helped you too!

It amazes me at the moment that the number of people post on here and say "my OH / child/parent etc is classed as vulnerable and I am diabetic/asthmatic/ cancer patient etc and then ask if they should do something but not because of their health problems, but the others as if they are not vulnerable as well!
In this case I would say a definite no to volunteering - no matter if it's your employers that are requesting help. If they query why you are not, just explain why - there is no shame - volunteering is after all supposed to be voluntary which means that you don't have to do it!
If you feel that you want to do something, check out your local Facebook group - there are usually requests for people to help out with things that mean you can do it from home.

Thanks Iam64. Nothing else works anymore and I've had a flare up, but was relieved, it was postponed. It was too risky to come into hospital. I can't do the injections at at home, as I have a history of allergic reactions.
It's not the end of the world. I'm relieved that I don't have numerous hosp appointments. I'm having a good rest! ?

Marydoll- sorry to read your biologics are delayed because of this virus. Fingers crossed they work as well for you as mine do.

My Dad's 89 and hasn't left his sheltered housing grounds since lockdown.
He's feeling stir crazy but I've stressed to him that we all have a role to play, and his job at the moment is to stay safe, keep out of the way and let the critical workers do their jobs.
That seemed to help him feel part of things.

Gabriel, that is great you are not on Methotrexate at the moment.
I was due to start biologics the first week of the lockdown, so on hold now.
I hope you keep well.

Marydoll I think the fact that my RA is apparently in remission and I'm not currently needing my methotrexate means that I don't need to be shielded though I do take several meds for my heart condition. I will look in to it further - maybe ring my gp surgery.
Hetty58 I did offer my services (admin skills) to a couple of places this week so hopefully something will come of that. Thanks for the input everyone!

I agree with 25Avalon. This crisis is a time for the younger generation to assist with volunteering. Many are happy to do it as they are furloughed from their day jobs ( as a young delivery van driver told me when he brought my Sainsbury’s groceries). We oldies can leave it in their capable hands I feel.

Gabriel56, you shouldn't volunteer either. There are safe 'admin' opportunities, though, to phone vulnerable people, check on them and ask if they need anything. Contact some local help groups to offer your services.