How do older volunteers feel?

Don't volunteer for library then. It was really hard work in our community lead library.

I think i would volunteer for library work or a charity shop in the future nothing too strenuous.

I found, somewhat to my surprise (although once I thought about it, it shouldn't have been) that I couldn't cope with working around what had been 'my field' (unlike storynanny).
I wanted to deal with stuff I saw, but it wan't in my remit. I wanted to share my experience - but it was less relevant in today's world (I live in an area where only statutory care is being undertaken, so advice has to be tailored to that). I felt frustrated on all sides.
So I have ended up volunteering out of my field, and the new skills I have learned have been interesting. I have developed skills that were previously just a hobby.
I agree about expenses - they must be handed out. Being in a fortunate position, I have saved mine and bought raffle prizes with them.
I volunteer with a small arts festival and as a member of the committee, I get free tickets. I also have a position on our village hall committee, where until recently, we were expected to pay for tickets to social events. Some members felt strongly that we shouldn't get 'freebies'. I became aware of one member who would help, say cooking cakes or similar, but might not turn up - there might have been many reasons, but I wondered if he couldn't easily afford the ticket. I said nothing to him or others, but suggested that 'working' committee members should attend the social events for free. After much wrangling, half price was agreed on.

I'd also add that since my arthritis has worsened, I am much better at doing things like publicity, or book-keeping, as I can do that in my own time, and don't need to worry on a 'bad day'.

It's interesting to compare experiences with other volunteers with similar organisations. Sometimes one is ignored and unappreciated while another feels a useful and welcome addition to the team. Once I was commenting to an organiser what a negative experience a fellow volunteer was having and, without breaching confidentiality, she implied that heir could be hiccups on both sides.

Volunteers are unpaid, not because they are worthless but because they are priceless.

Ive started volunteering with Homestart and have been particularly impressed with the training. I chose it because as a newly retired infant teacher I still wanted to work with young children.
My main volunteering worry is if I have to cancel I feel Im letting someone down.

I was upset about the way i was taken for granted and somewhat exploited in my volunteering role so it has been interesting reading of others similar experiences. Unfortunately i dont think i will volunteer again. A pity as i have years of professional experience to bring.
My suggestion is that volunteers are treated with more respect and appreciation rather than being ignored and/or exploited. Also helps if a short induction is provided. This didnt happen for me and it probably caused unnecessary difficulties.

Volunteering is a cleft stick.
I have volunteered for many years and the most rewarding is when everyone is a volunteer, e.g. brownies, cubs and scouts etc. A hinge amount of satisfaction is achieved by this route.
I have helped in infant schools, ok, parent teachers group, ok, disabled children, rewarding but such hard work, driving for people with no transport to appointments, totally used.
I could go on.
You need to discriminate and decide where your talents and charitability are best appreciated
Do not take a paid job from someone who needs it and where the charity could pay, I have done that but soon realised I was being exploited.

I’ve just got my 10 year badge for volunteering for the RVS and am quite oroud of it. Replies as follows if any help.

I wanted to put something back at he hospital that treated me for breast cancer and the opportunity arose with RVS.

Barriers would be if I felt uncomfortable for any reason.

For me I wanted to feel useful after leaving paid work and the company and friendship of other older people.

I think I bring friendship to others and love to chat and pass time/help people who need it. Win win situation.

I volunteered as an Appropriate Adult for a couple of years. I gained a vast appreciation of the difficulty of police work around children and vulnerable adults, however I began to feel that because my time was free, it was therefore considered of no value. I was expected to attend the police station and sit around for hours waiting for the important, i.e. paid, professionals such as lawyers and relevant police officers to turn up when they were ready.

I may consider doing something else, providing it was day time only. I would be interested in beanstalk, but I seem to be in one part of the country where it doesn't work.

I have done lots of volunteering over the years and the only thing i cant cope with is bodily fluids so i cant do personal care. I retch at bad breaths or farts etc to say nothing of incontinence. The only downside for me was i felt that some of the paid staff were a bit snooty but they were a minority. I would do volunteering again if i had the time or was retired

I posted on a previous thread about volunteering. I had approached my local primary school, and after a long silence they finally accepted me. Albeit in an out door classroom. Many posters said I was being taken advantage of. No one has ever asked me what my specialities are. I have taught in primary schools for 30 years, and have expertise in literacy and art. I had assumed I would help in the classroom. No one has given me a timetable, holiday dates, etc. So I have to keep asking.
However the teacher and another volunteer I work with are wonderful. I shall stay to the end of this academic year and the consider again. Volunteering should work both ways and at the moment I feel I am just another pair of hands

I too have had a negative volunteering experience. It was at a day care dementia group. Something close to my heart. i was the only volunteer and somewhat older than the paid staff.
To my surprise they ignored me unless they were giving me orders while they chatted amongst themselves.
I gave a day a week for 9 months and for most of that time i never felt part of things so I left. No one from the organisation contacted me to asked why. Or to thank me.

Thank you all for your comments, really useful.
Alexa have you looked on Do-it-org where you can find volunteer opportunities in your area, or do you have a local volunteer centre who would be able to place you in an ideal volunteer role? Good luck

What made or would make you decide to volunteer?
Having given up paid work I wanted to continue using my skills and be helpful.

How would you go about picking an organisation to volunteer with?
Have a look at its governance arrangements and if others like working with them.
What would be a barrier to volunteering for you?
Having to go a long distance from home.
What would put you off or worry you about volunteering?
Some of the other volunteers usually and being given the boring things to do.
What would you hope to get out of it? Some new skills and some new friends.
What do you think you could bring to the organisation? The skills I learnt in my professional life.

Thanks

Fennel:
www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/

my volunteering has to be something I can do reasonably well. I have specific skills to offer but the charity that could use them, AgeUK ,does not operate in my area for lack of funding from the local authority. I have thought of putting an ad in the local paper to advertise my service but that may be risky for me; I'd really need a go-between such as a charity so as to screen and sort applicants. Old people are as various as young people and have different needs and requirements. Volunteers need matching to recipients.

Elrel - the Beanstalk organisation is something I would like to volunteer for. When we return (PG ) next month.
Can you give a link, please?

The staff member with ‘responsibility’ for the library was a Y6 teacher and her room was directly opposite. As I was there until 4.00pm at least once a week she could easily have popped her head in to say ‘Hi!’

DiL hasn’t mentioned it at all. She probably thinks I’m still going in. I think I’ll mention it to DS sometime soon.

Thanks for your reply Elrel. The irony is I have organised courses myself on how to get the best from volunteers ?

OldMeg - It sounds as if you did the school a huge favour in giving the library some much needed tlc. I know some schools are more welcoming and appreciative than others but you certainly deserved better.
You saved the school money and effort and I'm surprised the senior staff member with responsibility for the library didn't acknowledge your kindness. I hope DiL told you what a good job you did. You deserve a treat! ??

Not all organisations know how to treat volunteers. I was volunteered by my DiL to sort out the school library at the primary school where she works.

It was in total chaos and took me the whole of the Autumn Term going in for several hours a week to put it into some kind of order, rescue damaged books and repair them, place stickers on books that related to their subject, and charts on the walls so books could easily be located.

Not once in the three months did anyone come in to see how it was progressing, nor offer me a cup of tea. Not once did I get a ‘thank you’ or any acknowledgment of the work I had done. In fact I came, I sorted and I went unobtrusively and they probably thought the Library Fairy had been in.

So last week I simply phoned the school and left a message with one of the admin staff saying I wouldn’t be in any more. No explanation.

I did this to please my DiL (a TA) and help the ‘school’ but I really felt annoyed. So, I have better things to do with my time.

I'm enjoying volunteering for Beanstalk which provides 1:1 support for reading in schools. Twice a week I go to a local school and spend 30 minutes each with 3 six year olds.
Training and support is provided, as is a box filled with appropriate books and games. It's useful and it's fun.
Some, but by no means all, volunteers have teaching experience. Beanstalk is nationwide and always looking for more volunteers.

Hello Kaycee..
I am considering volunteering right now.
This is because I have cut my work hours right down and don't have much family around me, so feel it will give me a purpose to my week but also give something to a charity or service. I do go away quite a lot to see family, so need something quite flexible.
I am looking at organisations, that I am interested in, but that can be flexible too. I adore animals, so am looking at perhaps an animal sanctuary or RSPCA near me. I have worked in the NHS though in a caring role, and feel I may also look at something with older people who are lonely, as they are often forgotten.
A barrier to me is actually making the contact and fearing rejection! I have seen people here have said they have applied and heard nothing back! Which is rude but also hurtful. I also do not want to over commit and then have to let them down.
I don't think anything would put me off volunteering, it is just taking that first leap to start!
I would hope to derive some satisfaction from it by helping a charity or group, but also to make some new friends with people who have a common interest.
I have a lot of life experience as do most of us older people, so combining that with time is what I can give to a charity.
A friend of mine goes to a Volunteering fayre each year in her area. This is an excellent idea. Lots of charities are there with lots of info. Sadly we do not have that in this area. That would be a great way for people to explore different charities and talk to people and make sure they get their volunteering role right!
Good Luck.

Good post corner! I like the part about learning something new which is why I like mixing with people in any role I undertake. People are amazing and fascinating.

I was part of the team that took control of the village library when it was threatened with closure and while it was worthwhile and satisfying it got to be quite boring just being on the committee.