Another year, another round of applause for our volunteers

This week is Volunteers' Week, a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to our wonderful volunteers who generously give their time, kindness and energy to support older people across Plymouth.

Making sure our volunteers feel appreciated is incredibly important to us. This year, as a small token of our gratitude, we presented each volunteer with a cute succulent, a handwritten card, a tote bag and some chocolates to recognise the difference they make every day.

We've got some remarkable volunteers here at Age UK Plymouth, each bringing their own unique skills, experiences and personalities to their roles. Their contributions are at the heart of everything we do.

Pete's story | IT & Digital Skills volunteer

"I believe that retirement is not the end of making a difference, but the start of giving back in new ways.

Volunteering gave me the chance to use my background in technology and education to support others, connect with people and continue teaching in a way that feels worthwhile. What makes it especially rewarding is knowing that even small acts of support can open up the digital world for someone who may otherwise feel left behind.

What I've enjoyed most is seeing people grow in confidence week by week. It's especially rewarding when someone says they can't wait to come back, or when they realise that learning new digital skills can feel approachable and enjoyable. Helping people learn without feeling embarassed or left behind has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my volunteering.

One moment that has stayed with me was seeing someone come in just to talk about their mobile, even without an appointment. They told me they enjoyed coming along and sometimes felt a bit lonely. Volunteering can make a real difference to someone else's life, and it can be just as rewarding for you too.

For me, Age UK Plymouth is a wonderful organisation, and I've seen first hand how much it means to so many people.

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Many of our volunteers tell us that they get just as much from volunteering as they give. Friendships form and confidence grows - we simply couldn't do what we do without them.

To every one of our volunteers, thank you. Your kindness and generosity help us make later life better for so many people across Plymouth, and we are incredibly grateful for all you do.