Giving back

Opportunities to benefit others

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One thing that you, as in my prime people, should realise is just what well-rounded, valuable members of the community you are. In my primers have distinct advantages over all other sections of the population:

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• We're still very fit and active, mentally and physically.
  
  
• We have experienced life over many years and in many different arenas and those experiences have enabled us to develop informed opinions on many different subjects.
  
  
• We have built up knowledge, skills and insights through work, through family relationships and through social interests.
  
  
• We have the presence and respect that comes with maturity and are likely to start having a little free time to pursue those things that we judge to be worthwhile.
  
  
• In summary we are ideally placed for thinking about “giving back”.

There's no better place to do so. In this country it's unbelievable how many things are going on. And the way it operates best is by combining what the government can offer with the drive, initiative and social responsibility of its citizens, motivated to help themselves and others.

Sharing your time, enthusiasm, experience and energy

We want to help by alerting people to the range of opportunities for giving something back and some of the potential benefits. The list is endless. It only needs imagination and effort.

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• It could be that there's a hobby or a sport in which you're interested. If so, you could become a committee member, referee or umpire, coach others, campaign for improved facilities, or just help out at events.
  
  
• You may have been close to illness, deprivation or disadvantage - in which case there may be an existing charity that you could help, through fundraising or as a trustee.
  
  
• You may wish to combine continued employment with charitable activity by seeking direct employment with them. There are all kinds of opportunities where skills and experience gained in industry or the public sector could be valuable, possibly on a part-time basis.
  
  

Another way that you could use your experience might be in some form of civic duty. Health, law and order, education, local government etc. all rely on significant input from members of the public. Or perhaps you'd be more interested in a one-off activity? Many long term commitments start in such a way: a particular campaign you feel strongly about, or possibly something like assisting at the 2012 Olympics?

The benefits for you

The benefits are enormous, not only in what they overtly provide but in your own sense of achievement and purpose, your energy levels, your knowledge base and the social interaction and enjoyment involved.

We are not a campaigning organisation ourselves and the possibilities are so vast that we can only give you a flavour of what is out there or who might be on the lookout at any particular point in time.

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