Increasing self confidence and giving you a sense of purpose, volunteering may be the answer if you’ve found yourself jobless or looking for a positive way to fill in a few hours a week after retiring.
Volunteering also offers physical and mental health benefits and according Chester Hill volunteer Gobleth, you get as much out of it as the people you are assisting.
Joining Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre (CHNC) about five years ago when she retired from nursing, Gobleth volunteers at the centre in their Op Shop on Thursdays and has two clients she visits in Abel Tasman Village once a fortnight as part of the Community Visitors Scheme.
“It was hard on them and me during Covid but I kept up my contact with calls and sending cards and letters,” she said.
“They are so happy to have me back now and we have a lovely time chatting, reading, watching game shows and looking at photos.
“I see my visits make a big difference to them just as they do for me being retired; it’s a way for me to keep connected to others and I look forward to visiting them every fortnight.”
Along with husband Percy who also volunteers at CHNC, Gobleth says she cannot recommend volunteering enough.
CHNC’s Colleen Winters says they are presently recruiting volunteers who can spare as little as an hour a fortnight.
“Volunteers are provided with training, information and resources,” Ms Winters said.
Details: 9645 3700 or agedcarevolunteer@chnc.org.au.
