Royal Voluntary Service, the volunteering charity, is looking for local volunteer co-ordinators and leaders to set up and run new activities for older people in Herefordshire.

Whether it’s a lunch club, tai chi class or book group or providing companionship to older people in their homes, the charity is looking for local people to put their talents and life experience to valuable use to help grow a network of community groups across Great Britain that improve older people’s lives. Clubs and groups will be supported by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

No previous experience is necessary as full training is provided. Royal Voluntary Service will also provide guidance on recruiting volunteers to help, managing money and fundraising and on how to run the activity safely and legally. In return, volunteer co-ordinators can enjoy developing their skills and experience, being part of a team and creating something of lasting value for their community and the people in it.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities/ Deputy Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are sure that some extraordinary people will come forward to give their time as volunteer co-ordinators and leaders to help Royal Voluntary Service support older people’s lives. I am delighted that thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, more local people will be coming together to provide vitally important social activities that keep older people engaged in the communities where they live.”

Karen Roberts, Royal Voluntary Service’s Community Engagement & Development Worker for Herefordshire, said: “Our volunteers are community heroes that make a genuine difference to the lives of older people. Working with us to set up a programme of new volunteer-led social activities is an exciting challenge for anyone with time to give and ideas, energy and enthusiasm to offer. We look forward to welcoming and supporting a host of new volunteer co-ordinators and leaders to scale up our support for older people, thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. For anyone with a little spare time that is looking for a way to contribute to the local community, volunteering is hugely rewarding.”

Previous research for Royal Voluntary Service found that older people who volunteer are happier and healthier than their counterparts who don’t. The charity welcomes volunteers of all ages.

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 25,000 volunteers supporting thousands of older people each month in hospitals and the community. The focus is on building confidence, improving well-being and keeping loneliness at bay through an array of social activities and more structured support. The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS, with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer co-ordinator or leader, contact Karen Roberts on [email protected], call on 0300 012 0261 or visit http://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk