Celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2026: The Difference a Friendly Visit Can Make

This Volunteers’ Week, Age UK Isle of Wight is celebrating the kindness, time and dedication of our volunteers, who help support older people across the Island.

To mark the week, we asked some of our volunteers a few questions about why they volunteer, what befriending means to them, and the difference they feel it can make to the older people they support.

As an independent local charity, our work is rooted in the Isle of Wight community. Our volunteers play a vital role in helping older Islanders feel more connected, supported and valued. Whether through befriending, helping at events, supporting activities or giving their time in other ways, every volunteer helps make a difference.

Volunteering is often about simple but powerful moments: a regular conversation, a friendly face, a trip out for coffee, or the chance for someone to feel listened to and included.

For Cheryl, volunteering is about helping people feel more confident and less alone.

“Helping and befriending Age UK Isle of wight's clients enriches their lives, helps them be more confident in their day-to-day lives, lifts loneliness and helps prevent isolation. I feel rewarded knowing that I am improving someone’s life and being able to share their wonderful stories. It’s an honour.”

Befriending can have a meaningful impact on the person being supported, but it can also bring a real sense of purpose and friendship to the volunteer.

Steve began volunteering with Age UK Isle of Wight after retiring and deciding he wanted to give his time to support others.

Through our befriending service, he was introduced to an older person at one of our Chatty Brew sessions.

Like many volunteers, Steve was not sure exactly what to expect at first, but he soon found that taking the time to listen, chat and build trust helped turn those early worries into a meaningful weekly friendship.

Since then, their friendship has grown through regular Friday morning visits, trips out for shopping, and the occasional coffee and cake. Steve has also found small ways to brighten their week, including bringing a garden trough with plants for them to look after, something they now enjoy very much.

Reflecting on the experience, Steve said:

“This whole experience has been such an enjoyable journey. I look forward to many more future visits, as it has given me a sense of purpose and the chance to have an enjoyable impact on someone else’s life.”

Stories like Cheryl’s and Steve’s show the real value of volunteering. A small amount of time can mean company, conversation and something to look forward to for an older person who may otherwise feel lonely or isolated.

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers, past and present. Your kindness, patience and generosity help make Age UK Isle of Wight the charity it is today.

Could you volunteer with us?

If you have ever thought about volunteering, we would love to hear from you.

You do not need to give huge amounts of time to make a difference. Our volunteering opportunities are flexible, and we will work with you to find a role that suits your interests, confidence and availability.

By volunteering with Age UK Isle of Wight, you can help older Islanders feel more connected, supported and valued, while becoming part of a friendly local charity making a real difference in the community.

To find out more about volunteering with Age UK Isle of Wight, click here Find out more about our volunteering or contact via email at volunteering@ageukiw.org.uk