The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is calling for those approaching retirement to use their spare time to volunteer for the nation’s heart charity and utilise their invaluable life skills and experience to help in the fight against heart disease.
According to recent research conducted by Aegonover a tenth (14%) of those approaching retirement associated it with boredom. However the BHF is able to offer a wide range of opportunities to use the skills developed over their working careers to support the BHF’s life saving research.
There are a wide variety of roles including volunteer drivers, merchandising of clothes, shoes and accessories to window dressing working behind the till, and supporting the administration work. Our clothing shops are keen to hear anyone who has a few hours to spare.
The BHF has volunteers from a range of ages and different backgrounds; it is a great way to meet new friends, to fill time in a really positive way and to become part of a team.
Volunteering with the BHF for just half a day a month could fund one of our young scientists to carry out lifesaving research for a whole hour. It is also great for your well-being.
A recent study found older people who volunteer are happier, feel less isolated and can have a better quality of life. The BHF will find a role which best suits you and enables you to use the skills you have developed throughout your working life.
Mike Taylor, Retail Director at the BHF said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of the charity and we simply wouldn’t be able to continue our lifesaving work without them. We have 1000’s of volunteers who use the spare time they have since retiring to volunteer and give something back to the local community, as well as bringing their wealth of knowledge, life skills and expertise to their role.
“We appreciate every minute people can spare to volunteer and we offer a range of opportunities which can help them find a new challenge and meet new people.”
You could even volunteer some extra time to clear out your wardrobe. [Insert area] BHF Shop always needs more stock. Your unwanted items help fill the shop shelves and raise valuable funds in the fight against heart disease. The BHF operate a free collection service which can be booked on 0800 915 1111 or for larger furniture and electrical items, visit bhf.org.uk/free
Share your volunteer stories with the BHF on their Facebook page or on Twitter using #BHFvolunteer. To find your nearest BHF Shop or Store call 0800 915 1111 and for more information on volunteering opportunities visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer
