A Volunteer’s Story
Just over a year ago Mike Wadge had taken early retirement and was recovering from a very serious illness. A friend suggested that once he was fully recovered he might find it interesting to volunteer at Age Concern Bristol.
Now every Monday Mike joins the Information and Advice Team at Canningford House, helping people who come with an appointment or who call up in search of assistance. “What I find very satisfying is that what I do on that day can have a positive effect on someone’s life,” says Mike. “In finding out about their circumstances, I can let them know what help is available.”
Mike explains that he needed to undergo a good deal of training before he was ready to start giving clients advice. “My background is in the law, which is certainly useful in this role, but the benefits system, for instance, was completely new to me.” Mike attended several all day courses, but the bulk of his training was with his manager, Alicia Webster, one morning a week for 12 weeks. “Another aspect of my training which helped enormously was to shadow some of the existing volunteers, including sitting in on interviews they conducted with clients.” Says Mike.
“People come to us asking for advice on a whole range of issues; we can give them information about grants, pensions credits or relief on council tax, which they could be entitled to claim. Helping people complete applications for benefits is a big part of our work.” He says.
If volunteers at the Information and Advice Centre cannot help someone directly they are always able to point them in the right direction.
“Sometimes people need specialist help on tax matters or wills and in these cases we can refer them to professionals who have experience helping older people. We have close contacts with other organisations, such as Dial a Ride, and we often direct people to other services provided by Age Concern Bristol such as Practical Services, Insurance Services and our Housing Support Service.”
Mike says he gets a lot out of volunteering at Age Concern Bristol.
“It starts my week off and gives it some structure, there is a great atmosphere in the office and I enjoy the camaraderie. I also get the satisfaction of continuing to use the legal knowledge and skills I developed over my career.”
If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Age Concern Bristol please call Wendy Hodsdon on 0117 929 7537 or email: wendyhodsdon@ageconcernbristol.org.uk.