90-year old volunteer a ‘ray’ of sunshine in local community

Volunteer Now highlights the power of connecting as Positive Ageing Month kicks off across NI

Volunteer Now, the leading voice for volunteering in Northern Ireland, is getting fully behind Positive Ageing Month this October, promoting and celebrating the positive aspects of growing older and recognising the contribution that community organisations make to older people in our society.

Events are taking place across local Council areas that welcome and encourage people age 50 and over to connect with others, particularly those who are vulnerable or who may be experiencing loneliness or disconnection.

Volunteer Now is also keen to remind people that older volunteers are crucial and that volunteering as you get older is hugely rewarding. A shining example of the many benefits of volunteering later in life is Ray Wilson from North Belfast. Ray is a volunteer befriender with Volunteer Now, who, at age 90, gives her time to connect with other older people in the area through making phone calls. Ray has been volunteering for over 25 years and believes it is something that helps both her and the people she connects with.

“After I retired, I thought, I’m not just going to do nothing!” said Ray Wilson. “So I tried volunteering and have been doing it ever since. I keep myself involved with lots of things in the local area and the church and through Volunteer Now – it all keeps my mind active and it’s great to stay in touch with people.

“Through the befriending service, I used to visit people in the local area and have a wee chat with them but now that I don’t drive, I make phone calls instead. We still have a good old chat, I love to chat! It is something to look forward to for both me and the people on the other end, who often don’t have anybody else in their lives or are just relying on a few family members to keep in touch. There are a lot of lonely people in the world and everyone needs someone to talk to. Sometimes all people need is someone to listen.

“I am more than happy to keep volunteering and will do it for as long as I can. Age is only a number, you can keep doing your best for as long as you want to and making a difference in someone’s day is good for you and them,” Ray said.

To find out more about Positive Ageing Month and activities in your local area and to find out about volunteering opportunities currently available in Northern Ireland, visit the Opportunity Search on our website or find more inspirational stories like Ray’s on Volunteer Now’s social media channels.