Ways to Build Connections Through Volunteering
Volunteering
Volunteering is a wonderful way to help others while enriching your own life. When you find the right opportunity, volunteering can help you build friendships, connect with your community, and even learn new skills or explore a new career path. It’s also been shown to boost mental and physical well-being by reducing stress, combating depression, and giving a sense of purpose. Even if you have health conditions like hearing loss, diabetes, or heart disease, volunteering can help improve your outlook and health.
Volunteering doesn’t have to be a big time commitment. There are flexible options that can fit into any schedule.
Finding the Right Opportunity
There are many roles out there, so it’s important to find one that matches your goals. Think about what you’d like to achieve:
- Share your expertise: Use your skills to benefit a disadvantaged group.
- Meet new people: Connect with others who share your interests.
- Improve your community: Help make your local area a better place.
- Explore new horizons: Try something new or dive deeper into a hobby.
- Use your spare time well: Find a fulfilling way to spend your free time.
Consider the following:
- Do you prefer working with adults, children, or animals?
- Is working from home a priority?
- Do you enjoy working in a team or prefer working alone?
- Would you prefer to be behind the scenes or in a visible role?
- How much time can you commit?
Where to Find Volunteer Roles
There are many resources to help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity:
- Find a local volunteer centre: Search by postcode to find nearby organisations looking for support.
- Search the DoItLife volunteering database: Filter by interests, activities, or location to find roles suited to older people.
- Search CharityJob: Explore voluntary work and trustee positions using this dedicated job board for the not-for-profit sector.
- Search Reach Volunteering: If you have professional skills to offer, Reach Volunteering matches you with charities that need your expertise.
Ways to Build Connections Through Lifelong Learning
U3A (University of the Third Age)
Retirement is the perfect time to explore new interests, develop skills, and connect with others through learning. It’s never too late to learn something new. U3A offers retired and semi-retired people the opportunity to engage in fun, educational activities. No qualifications are required, and none are awarded—it’s all about learning for the enjoyment of it! With over 1,000 groups across the UK, U3A members come together to teach and learn from each other in a wide range of subjects, both online and in person. Annual membership is around £17.
Probus Clubs
Probus clubs offer retired professionals a chance to socialise with others from similar backgrounds. Originally created for men, there are now clubs for women and mixed groups as well. Members enjoy social events, including speaker lunches and group trips, and often participate in community projects. Probus provides a strong support network, helping retired professionals stay connected. Annual membership fees apply, with additional costs for special events.
Learn more about Probus clubs →
UK Men's Sheds Association
Men's sheds are community spaces where people can work on practical projects, share skills, and make new friends. Whether it's woodworking, metalworking, or repairing electronics, sheds provide a space for people to get creative while working alongside others. While most members are older men, everyone is welcome. Sheds often start as a way for people to meet, then grow into workshops and community projects, such as maintaining green spaces or building items for schools and charities.
Whether you’re looking to give back, meet new people, or learn something new, there are countless ways to stay active, engaged, and connected!