Stories From Our Island Community
Stories From Our Island Community shares personal stories from Age UK Isle of Wight, highlighting the older people, volunteers and local communities at the heart of our work. From friendship and companionship to practical support and special moments, these stories show the difference local kindness and connection can make across the Island.
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Friendship Helped Barry’s Owl Dream Take Flight: VIDEO
Barry’s story shows how friendship, kindness and local support can help make a lifelong dream come true. With support from Age UK Isle of Wight’s Gift of Friendship, Barry was able to enjoy a truly special owl experience, bringing joy, connection and smiles. Read more about it here
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Stephen’s Story: How Befriending Changed More Than One Life
After losing his partner of almost 53 years, Stephen was looking for something to help him through a deeply difficult time. What he found through Isle of Wight Age UK's Gift of Friendship was not only a chance to support others, but support and purpose for himself too.
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Celebrating Shelley’s 9 Years with Age UK Isle of Wight
Meet Shelley, our Client Care Officer for Just About You, as she celebrates 9 years with Age UK Isle of Wight. In this staff spotlight, Shelley reflects on her time with the charity, the people she has met along the way, and the difference JAY makes in helping older people across the Island live safely and independently at home.
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Celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2026: The Difference a Friendly Visit Can Make
This Volunteers’ Week, we are celebrating the kindness and dedication of Age UK Isle of Wight’s volunteers. In this article, Cheryl and Steve share their experiences of befriending, the friendships they have built along the way, and the difference a friendly visit can make in helping older people across the Island feel connected, valued and less alone each week.
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Celebrating Laurie's 8 year work anniversary with Age UK Isle of Wight
Laurie’s story celebrates 8 years of supporting Age UK Isle of Wight, from her early work on the Age Friendly Island Project to her current role as Resources Officer. Her work behind the scenes helps our teams deliver effective, high-quality support to older Islanders every day. Read more about her journey here.
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From a simple conversation to a special day with the donkeys
Betty’s story shows how a simple conversation with her volunteer befriender, Sharon, led to a special experience at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. After learning about Betty’s love of donkeys, we helped arrange a visit. It’s a lovely example of the friendships, connections and experiences that can grow through volunteering.
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Three years, three roles: Vanessa’s journey with Age UK Isle of Wight
Vanessa’s story celebrates 3 years with Age UK Isle of Wight, across three different roles supporting older Islanders in the community. From the Integrated Hub to her current role as a Home First Coordinator, her work has evolved alongside changing local services while continuing to make a real difference to people’s lives. Read more about her journey here.
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“No Two Days Are Ever the Same”: Anna Reflects on Three Years with Age UK Isle of Wight
In her own words, Anna reflects on three years with Age UK Isle of Wight, from starting as a Hospital Care Navigator to her current role as a Home First Coordinator. She shares how her role has changed, what she has learned and the experiences that continue to make her work supporting older Islanders so rewarding. Read more.
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A life in the Island’s headlines, rediscovered through friendship
Gerry Moglione’s story looks back on more than six decades of contribution to Island life, from education and sport to volunteering and community service. With the help of his Age UK Isle of Wight befriender Stephen, Gerry has been rediscovering old memories and newspaper stories that celebrate an extraordinary life.
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Celebrating Chloe & Shannon: A combined 23 years of making a difference
Chloe and Shannon’s story celebrates a combined 23 years with Age UK Isle of Wight, supporting our charity through their work in the finance department and the JAY service. From their first days to favourite memories, they reflect on changing roles, lasting friendships and the satisfaction of helping people on the Island live more independently.
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Celebrating Karen: Eight Years of Making a Difference
Karen's story celebrates eight years with Age UK Isle of Wight, looking back on her journey through several of our services. From supporting people at home to coordinating volunteer befrienders, Karen reflects on the experiences that have shaped her time with us and the importance of companionship for older Islanders.
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