Your community needs you!
Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, and your contribution could make a significant difference in the lives of others while enriching your own.
Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, make a difference to the lives of others while enriching your own.
Meet is Cliff who volunteers at Coppice Library and with the Gardening Group. One of the Social Prescribers introduced him to the centre after moving to Trafford from Cardiff. Since then he has received training and support and has now become a valuable member of the team at the Coppice Centre. He particularly enjoys the social interaction and feels that he has gained confidence and would like to expand his volunteering experience so that he can ultimately find paid work somewhere where he can help people to make the progress that he has made. At 47, Cliff feels that his life is beginning to open up to new possibilities and opportunities. Call 0161 912 3560
Anita grateful to U3A for showing me that there is a new life after 80!
Anita came to Manchester from London 30 years ago & was a busy self employed Chartered Surveyor until she retired seven years ago. She came to Hale u3a as a member & went to a couple of events but felt she wanted to become more involved, make friends & develop new relationships. She asked for advice from David, the Chairman as a result She became the Groups Coordinator. Becoming a volunteer has given her a purpose and keeps her busy. The members are welcoming and there are lots of opportunities to meet for a coffee or a walk. ‘I am grateful to U3A for showing me that there is a new life for me after 80. I feel optimistic & fitter as my mind wakes up again’.
Volunteer Driving for Wythenshawe Good Neighbours
Pat is a volunteer driver with the Wythenshawe Good Neighbours (WGN) Driving Scheme, helping older residents without transport to get around the community. Launched in November 2023, the scheme offers an easy-to-use transport option for those who find public transport difficult. So far, 100 journeys have been made to various destinations such as hospital appointments and coffee mornings, significantly improving the lives of participants.
Volunteers use their own vehicles and insurance, receiving training and ongoing support from WGN. Passengers pay 45p per mile towards fuel and vehicle expenses. Interested in becoming a volunteer driver? Contact WGN at 0161 905 3898 or visit www.wythenshawegoodneighbours.com.
For more information or to join, email: [email protected]
Twitter: @WGN_Community | Facebook: @wythenshawegoodneighbours
The scheme currently has over 125 members, with 89 journeys covering 810 miles. Testimonials highlight its positive impact:
- “I could pop into more shops than usual because I wasn’t so tired from getting the bus.” – Linda
- “Makes me feel like a queen.” – Pat
- “10/10 driving and a nice chat.” – Brian
Founded in 2010 by Marie Greenhalgh, WGN is a Community Interest Company promoting a positive attitude towards ageing, volunteering, and community contribution. It aims to inspire and include older residents, aligning with the Age Friendly Manchester Strategy.
This article is an excerpt from the 9th edition of Live Well, Your Way magazine, published by Home Instead Altrincham, Sale and Wythenshawe.
If you’d like a copy of the magazine, we print and distribute up to 20,000 copies, ensuring accessibility in pharmacies, doctors’ surgeries, churches, community groups, and supermarkets. Our mission is simple: to give back and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. If you’re unable to reach these local areas, please call our office at 0161 8701136, and we’ll gladly post a copy to you free of charge.
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Brooklands, Sale, Ashton upon Mersey, Altrincham, Bowdon, Hale, Broadheath, Timperley
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