Volunteers' Week

Shakera Begum - Volunteer Manager

Monday 2nd – Sunday 8th June 2025 marks Volunteers’ Week – a special time to celebrate and offer heartfelt thanks to the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to support older people across East London.

As Volunteer Manager at Age UK East London, I feel incredibly fortunate every day to work alongside such inspiring individuals who make a real difference in our community.

Throughout the year, our volunteers have supported older people in countless meaningful ways. Our 81 dedicated befrienders provide companionship and a friendly face to those who might otherwise feel isolated.

Age UK East London simply couldn’t do what we do without our amazing community of volunteers. From Manora, who helps cook delicious, nutritious meals at the Merchant Street Hub, to those who serve teas and coffees at our Older People’s Reference Group meetings – each contribution matters. Volunteers offer a warm welcome to visitors at the Marie Lloyd Centre and enable our digital drop-ins to reach many more people than we could manage with staff alone.

One story that stood out to me this year truly captures the power of volunteering. An older gentleman, once a sociable book lover, had become isolated after surviving a stroke. He asked for a befriender to help him get out of the house more regularly. We were honoured to match him with a volunteer who now gives him the confidence and companionship to visit the library every week – reigniting his passion for reading and connection.

I'm also incredibly proud of the many older people who volunteer with us. Their involvement strengthens our charity and ensures our services reflect the voices and needs of older East Londoners. We’re equally grateful to our board of trustees – a dedicated group of volunteers who generously offer their time, expertise, and commitment to our mission. Their guidance helps us build a community where all older people are valued, respected, and supported.

I'd also like to give a special shoutout to our staff members who volunteer their time beyond their roles to make an even greater impact.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to local businesses that support our work. In particular, our partners Pay.UK, UpSlide, and Colt Technology Services have gone above and beyond – raising awareness, fundraising, and volunteering their time. Whether helping out at Christmas parties or hosting techy tea parties to tackle digital exclusion, their teams have created welcoming spaces where older people can ask questions and build confidence using technology.

To every single person who gives their time to Age UK East London – thank you. Your efforts have a real and lasting impact.

Next week, we’ll be hosting our annual Volunteer Awards – generously supported by the Blandford Family, who continue to champion our work in memory of Barry Blandford. Barry began as a volunteer handyperson before becoming a much-loved trustee at Age UK East London. His legacy lives on through the incredible work his family helps make possible.