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Have you ever thought that your retirement could last for 25,
30 years or more? Long enough certainly for you to build a new
way of life, discover new interests and pleasures, make new
friends and widen your horizons.
So why not use the extra years to put something back into the
community by taking up one of the thousands of voluntary jobs
throughout Britain.
FIRST STEPS;
Find out from your local library or telephone directory the
name and address of your nearest Volunteer organisation – it
could be a Volunteer Bureau or Centre or a Council for Voluntary
Service, and will have details of all local needs for
Volunteers.
Make an appointment right away.
Before you go along, make a note of what you know you are
good at and what you like doing – are you a ‘do-er’ or
more of a ‘thinker’, a ‘people person’ or a back-room
beaver?
Decide how much time you want to give: a day a fortnight, or
half a day each week? Or, as and when by arrangement?
THINK ---
· Do you want to use and share the
skills gained in your working life?
· Would you welcome the chance to
do something completely different?
· To work in an office, care-home
or school?
· To work outside on conservation
projects, sports activities or driving?
· To work with young people or
elderly folk who are physically handicapped or those with
learning disabilities?
The choice is wide, the need is urgent, the rewards are huge
and your own feelings of satisfaction and happiness will astound
you.
FINAL WARNING:
Beware! Doing voluntary work can be addictive.
· Don’t take on too much.
· Don’t promise more than you
can deliver.
· Don’t be afraid to seek help
and guidance from the paid staff.
And don’t neglect or ignore your own or your family’s
well-being.
LINKS FOR SERVICE OVERSEAS
http://www.vso.org.uk/volunt/index.htm
http://www.careerseurope.co.uk
http://www.scfuk.org.uk
http://www.changingworlds.co.uk
http://www.wse.org.uk |
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