Our Communications Volunteer Livia Barreira went to meet Ben to find out why he volunteers
Ben Duke is someone who makes a difference by volunteering! He believes that volunteering helps to improve a vulnerable person`s life and it is also a way to help to tackle social isolation, especially for older people.
About 7 months ago, Ben did a search on the Sheffield Volunteer Centre`s website and found a volunteering role that he was interested to get involved in. Since then, he is volunteering for the Age UK dementia cafes. He volunteers in Dore and Totley in the dementia cafes on alternate Tuesdays. “I have a home visit in the Ecclesall area on Tuesdays as a volunteer befriender. I also volunteer in the Wellbeing Centre, at Norfolk Park on Thursdays with people suffering from dementia”.
Ben Duke volunteering in the Wellbeing Centre, at Norfolk Park
Volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. “When you are a volunteer, you become more aware of some of the many issues disabled and vulnerable people face on a day to day basis”.
Before volunteering for the Age UK Sheffield, he used to volunteer for Sheffield MENCAP, Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC), Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB) and Walkley Library. He says he found all his volunteering roles through the Sheffield Volunteer Centre website.
Come to the Volunteer Centre drop-in service at The Circle, to find out more about volunteering and the opportunities available like Ben did! You can also search for roles online.
To find out more about how to volunteer for Age UK Sheffield click here
