"Give it a Go!" is a new hotline for older people in Suffolk to find out how and where to volunteer their services. Research shows that volunteering helps people stay active, happy and feeling valued and even volunteering for twenty minutes a week can make all the difference.
The Give it a Go! hotline is being launched on Tuesday 25th September 2007 at Suffolk County Council's HQ, Endeavour House, Ipswich between 2.00 - 4.00 pm. Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for adult and community services, Cllr Graham Newman and Daphne Savage, CEO of Age Concern Suffolk, will launch the volunteering scheme, assisted by Mark Murphy of BBC Radio Suffolk and Wendy Herber, volunteering development manager at Age Concern Suffolk. Older people who volunteer currently and representatives of voluntary and community groups will take part in the launch event.
The Give it a Go! hotline will be managed by Age Concern Suffolk working in partnership with Suffolk County Council. It will offer information on opportunities for older volunteers, as well as helping to introduce volunteers to their new roles, and offering support should they need it.
Councillor Graham Newman said: "There are more active older people in our society, many of whom have time available. Suffolk's older people have a lot to offer our local community, not least a wealth of experience and skills. Volunteering is a two-way street, as contrary to what people might think, they find they both give and receive."
Daphne Savage, Chief Executive of Age Concern Suffolk, said: "By 2020, nearly 50 per cent of the population will be over 50. Longer active lives means that in the UK as a whole the 60-79 age group will add an amazing £59 billion of value a year through volunteer activities, tax payments and support to their families. Through volunteering, there is massive potential for stronger and supportive local communities in Suffolk. The Give it a Go! hotline is a great opportunity for people to keep active, help others and simply have more fun too."
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