After running his own business for more than four decades, repairing and re-covering snooker tables, Robin retired in 2019. Like many people adjusting to life after work, he found the change difficult. He’s open about living with depression and anxiety, and says that period after retirement was particularly tough. It was only when he reached out for help that someone suggested volunteering – and it turned out to be exactly what he needed.
Robin, now 74, first started volunteering at Titchfield Festival Theatre, where he gained confidence and began to reconnect with others. Then, about 18 months ago, he spotted a role at The Brickworks Museum in Bursledon and applied directly. Being local to the area and interested in what the museum was doing, it felt like a natural next step. “It was really straightforward,” he says. “I just popped in, filled out an application, gave a couple of referees, and that was it. There were a few checks, but nothing complicated, and I got started pretty quickly.”
The Brickworks has around 80 volunteers in total, but Robin is part of a smaller group of six who come in together every Thursday. They usually stay for four or five hours and pick up whatever needs doing. Some days that’s gardening or painting, other times it’s DIY, maintenance or woodwork. With his background in carpentry, Robin naturally leans towards the woodwork jobs and really enjoys them – things like cutting out door frames or building fixtures for events. He even brings his van and tools with him so he’s always ready to get stuck in.
“The work itself is satisfying, but it’s also the structure and the people that make the difference. Before, I wasn’t really socialising at all. Now I’ve got this group of people – we’re all around the same age, and we get on really well. It’s given me something to look forward to each week.”
He’s keen to encourage others to give volunteering a go, especially if they’re struggling with their mental health or feeling isolated.
“It’s helped me massively. I had cognitive therapy, which was great, but this – being part of a team, being useful – it’s been just as helpful, if not more.
“There’s no pressure either. If you try one place and it’s not right for you, just try another. There’s something out there for everyone.”
For Robin, volunteering at The Brickworks has not only brought a sense of purpose back into his life, it’s also given him a community. And for the museum, having someone with his skills and commitment on board has made a real difference. It’s a great example of how volunteering can benefit everyone involved.