Vic Spears
Volunteering Role: Tai Chi Instructor
Why did you want to volunteer with Age Cymru?
I was already enjoying attending a Tai Chi class with Age Cymru and the opportunity arose to be trained as an instructor and lead a class. I thought this was a great chance to share the benefits of Tai Chi amongst many people, and also to satisfy my desire to ‘give something back’ to society after many years focusing on work.
What difference to your life has volunteering made to you?
Volunteering has proven to be a very valuable transition from full time work into ‘retirement’. I am meeting lots of new people, having gained many new friends, have extended my knowledge and skills, and have been able to enjoy sharing physical and social benefits of Tai Chi t an expanding group
What do you enjoy most about your volunteering experience?
There are several aspects of volunteering I enjoy:
Being in a position to provide help to people to improve their health and wellbeing
Watching the class expand, primarily by personal recommendations from current members, and helping to build the class into a social group
Receiving positive feedback from class members on how much they enjoy and benefit from the class
What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming involved with volunteering?
If you have a positive attitude and an open mind and want to help people, you should gain pleasure and pride in being a volunteer, it will build your self-confidence and, whilst there may be some challenges, it will prove to be a very worthwhile and satisfying activity.