Dragon Interview: Laura Tufnail, Helping Older People To Share Their Skills

Published on: 15 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 15 Sep, 2015

Volunteer Connections, a free service that helps older people find the right volunteering opportunities, has been relaunched in Guildford. Reporter Anna Valentina talks to its co-ordinator Laura Tufnail, of Voluntary Action South West Surrey

Sometimes people need just a bit of support to help them try something new. A few reassuring words or a little assistance can be enough.

A good example is volunteering their time and services. If they have never volunteered before or would like to switch their efforts to something different, the decision-making might be not easy.

Laura Tufnail, the co-ordinator of Volunteer Connectors, a service managed by Voluntary Action South West Surrey.

They might be unsure of what to do, not confident with public transport, have some health problems, unable to access information on where the help is needed. Or there may be other not so very obvious barriers to volunteering.

That is exactly what Volunteer Connections can help with. Problems can be identified and support and guidance given to help people overcome those barriers.

The project used to be called Community Connectors and the name change reflects the emphasis on supporting older people to take up volunteering.

Project co-ordinator Laura Tufnail said: “Volunteering is a great way for older people to continue to stay active, share their extensive expertise, experience and skills and continue to feel of value to their communities.

“It also reduces what is often described as an epidemic of loneliness in later life.

“It’s a fact, older volunteers have an amazing amount to offer and that this project will enable them to do this.”

“There are other projects in Guildford which connect people in need, such as Neighbourhood Angels, so we have decided to cover all volunteering possibilities to provide more options to those elderly people who are ready to give a helping hand.”

According to Laura, as the project has just started, the word needs to be spread to let people know all about it.

Leaflets are being distributed through GP surgeries, churches and local community groups. She is expecting a surge of volunteers when people come back from their holidays and when groups which had been closed for the summer reopen.

Sometimes it is hard to imagine how unexpected and not at all obvious a volunteering role can be.

Laura said: “I know a gentlemen who helps others to change batteries in hearing aids. He does it every week in one of the local churches, for free.

“Another lady goes to a children’s centre to welcome mothers with toddlers.

“I approached the Tea and Memories group, based at Surrey Choices within the Lockwood Centre in Slyfield, to see if they would be interested in doing a micro-volunteering project.  Together we discussed one particular project which involves writing cards or notes to sick and terminally ill children in the UK.

“That sort of micro-volunteering opportunity may not be listed on Voluntary Action’s website, but we know about it and through our work we hope to find people who may like to be involved, matching their interests and abilities.”

Laura and her colleagues believe that the most important things for volunteers is to enjoy what they do, and maybe share their passion with others.

It could be looking at books or art, photography or animals, music or teaching.

Laura added: “If it is done with kindness, even a short word or a small gesture might bring a huge change to other people’s lives. And when it happens it just charges you with enthusiasm.

“If you or someone you know would like to become a volunteer please get in touch with me. And we also need what we call volunteer connectors to support our clients to find the right volunteering roles for them.”

Call Laura Tufnail at Voluntary Action South West Surrey on 01483 504626, or 07827 958018.

Email: L.Tufnail@vasws.org.uk

Volunteer Connections has been funded by Guildford Poyle Charities and Guildford Borough Council.

Share This Post