Lend a Hand-Age UK Spearheads Combat Loneliness Campaign
Age UK is marking this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week (10th-16th June) by raising awareness of loneliness and isolation in later life, as well as sharing advice on how we can all help to make a difference.
Loneliness in later life is a significant problem, with almost one million older people across the UK often feeling lonely, and this June some of the country’s best-known charities are coming together to encourage people to sign up to volunteer to help their local communities.
Six million people took part in last year’s Big Help Out to experience how rewarding volunteering can be and the power it has to make a change.
Don Warrington, actor and Age UK supporter, said:
“I was fortunate to be invited to Age UK Barnet last year to join a group of volunteers supporting older people with dementia. Not only did I have a fantastic day, but I came away in awe of Age UK’s volunteers.
“It’s clear how much satisfaction they get from volunteering. It’s a two-way street – you give up your time and efforts for other people, and you get so much back from those people, so everybody involved benefits. You have to make a decision to get involved and the rewards are immense.”
Age UK offers many services, nationally and locally, which means there are countless opportunities available, some of which include:
Volunteering Opportunities at Age UK
- Join an Age UK shop team
- Support a local Age UK
- Volunteering as a Telephone Befriender
- Volunteer for The Silver Line Helpline
- Campaign to make the UK a great place to grow older
Age UK believes it is vital the Government listens to the needs of older people. Our campaigners give their time to help push for change through small acts such as signing petitions or writing to their MPs.
To find out more about volunteering roles at Age UK and supporting The Big Help Out visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/volunteer
