Visitors at the Coletta & Tyson Garden Centre in Beverley and The Freedom Centre Hull were surprised by groups of over-60s performing Bollywood dance, tai chi and watercolour painting in the foyers, as part of Royal Voluntary Service’s volunteer recruitment drive.
Led by local instructors Sandra Thompson, Sheila Dickinson and Austin Holt, the classes were organised to demonstrate just a few of the activities residents in the area can get involved with, bringing more people together to have fun and create new friendships.
The recruitment drive is part of the charity’s mission to redefine ‘O.A.P.’ by recognising the possibilities rather than the restrictions of older living. Moving away from ‘Old Age Pensioner’, and instead celebrating older people as ‘Outgoing and Playful’, ‘Outdoorsy and Practical” or simply ‘Our Amazing People’, the charity is calling out for volunteers to help re-define O.A.P by helping out at an activity that older people can look forward to and come out of feeling joyful and empowered.
Research by the charity found there is not only demand for more activities in the area, but also for volunteering opportunities too. More than half of residents (54%) aged over 50 in Hull and Beverley say there aren’t enough classes and clubs for older people, while nearly a third (29%) said that they would either like to start volunteering or do more volunteering locally.
Volunteering stands you in good stead – evidence shows that it is not only great for meeting new people and learning skills, but it also has a positive impact on people’s personal health and well-being. Anyone with an interest in something can volunteer – almost anything goes, from woodwork to Bollywood, and from gardening to a book club.
Whether you have a little or a lot of time to spare, you can use it to make a difference in your community. Royal Voluntary Service organises activities and volunteering opportunities in Hull and the East Riding and will help you find something that suits you – no skills or experience needed!
Paul Taylor, Operations Manager for Royal Voluntary Service, says:
“As this year’s City of Culture, Hull and the East Riding is the ideal place to start doing great things in the community. We’ve had a great couple of days in Hull and Beverley – the local people here have shown their enthusiasm and energy for not only redefining O.A.P., but wanting to create more opportunities to bring older people together and live life to the max. So if you live locally and want to meet new people and share your interests, whatever they may be, then get in touch with us today.”
The Royal Voluntary Service will continue to visit towns across the county and speak to potential volunteers about how they can lend a hand at a club or activity and enrich the lives of others in their community. To find out more about volunteering visit www.redefineoap.org.uk or call 0844 8920083 (Calls cost less than local rate from a UK landline).
