After retiring, James Sturrock wanted to continue using his skills and experience while also challenging himself to learn something new. Through Volunteer First, he discovered a range of opportunities that helped him stay connected to his community while making a positive difference to others.
“I wanted to still use some of my experience and skills and continue to learn myself,”
Using Volunteer First, James became involved in volunteering roles with VoiceAbility and Age Concern Hampshire, supporting people through advocacy and advice services.
While James found volunteering extremely rewarding, he was also open about some of the challenges he experienced along the way. On two occasions, projects he had been accepted for were later cancelled, and he also experienced delays caused by repeated DBS applications where organisations were unfamiliar with the DBS Update Service.
Despite these setbacks, James remained positive about the overall impact volunteering had on both himself and the wider community.
“Volunteering certainly made me feel part of the community and I hoped I had contributed to it by volunteering.”
Through volunteering, James found a renewed sense of purpose, belonging, and community connection. His story highlights how volunteering not only supports organisations and local people but can also enrich the lives of volunteers themselves.
As a volunteer brokerage service, Volunteer First helps connect people with opportunities suited to their skills, interests and circumstances, demonstrating the lasting impact volunteering can have across local communities.
James encouraged anyone considering volunteering to take the first step:
“I would suggest anyone should give it a try. It’s remarkable how many opportunities are available, even ones you may not have thought of.”
James’ experience is a powerful reminder that volunteers bring valuable skills, life experience and compassion into organisations and communities every day.
View all of VoiceAbility’s current Volunteering Opportunities here
View all of Age Concern Hampshire’s current Volunteering Opportunities here