How Volunteering After Retirement Helped Me Find Purpose, Friendship and Connection

Hayley’s CIC has quickly established itself in the community, and I am immensely proud to have been involved from the start. Initially, I took very small steps, helping with the Friday Community Drop-In session and running mosaic workshops. I have since stepped up my involvement, becoming the Wellbeing and Craft Lead Director. I cover the shop on a Wednesday and also the monthly Stitch and B!tch group. I certainly put in the hours, and for no financial gain, it is all voluntary.

Jax enthusiastically volunteers at Hayley's CIC, showing off bags ready for collection from the Facebook Sales nights.

Hayley’s CIC is dependent on volunteers. Without voluntary support, the shop would not be able to open, and our mission to aid the environment with the sale of locally sourced, pre-loved clothing, promote community connection and provide wellbeing sessions would not be possible. Volunteers run the shop, sort, prepare and display the stock, offer a warm and friendly welcome to customers and support the wellbeing space. It is a unique and truly special place, and the time provided by volunteers makes it all possible.

So why would anyone volunteer to do this?

I can only speak for myself, but I am sure many of the volunteers would have similar answers to why they volunteer their time. I read somewhere that volunteering is a secret cheat code for life, it is a resume booster and a health enhancer that functions as free therapy and a social club, and I couldn’t agree more.

With our children leaving home and in retirement, we moved to this beautiful part of the world to follow our hobbies, which has been wonderful. However, nothing quite prepares you for the quietness of having a full and boisterous family house reduced down to just the two of you. Making new friends also seems to become harder the older you get. Through volunteering, I have met some amazing people, a diverse cast of characters who I otherwise would never have interacted with. Coming together over a shared mission instantly melts away any awkwardness of typical small talk and often dissolves into moments of hilarity, jaw ache and tightly crossed legs. It’s wonderful being out and about in the village and bumping into people whom I now know and can have proper chats with, rather than just the polite hello. I now feel connected and that I truly belong.

Hayley, Jax, and Lizzie share a moment of collaboration and joy during Hayley's CIC Director's Meeting.

Although I love being retired, I do miss some parts of my previous career. Volunteering has enabled me to carry on using and sharing my previous experiences and skills without the pressures that my previous career brought. It has also encouraged me to venture out of my comfort zone and take on new challenges. Who knew a technophobe like me would operate an online cash spreadsheet, reconnect to the internet when it fails (happens way too often) and become involved with fashion shows, social media campaigns and community networking!

Helping establish the wellbeing sessions at Hayley’s CIC  has provided a sense of wellbeing for me, too. Focusing on this has distracted me from my typical tension patterns and put my own everyday stresses into a completely fresh perspective. I can’t begin to describe how rewarding it has been to witness the results of this work. The massive rush of feel-good endorphins has literally had us jumping for joy. I guess it’s what could be called a helper's high.

Community members enjoy conversation and refreshments during the Friday Drop-In Session hosted by Jax at Hayley's CIC.

Although I am not in the market for a paid job, my CV has certainly broadened, as has my confidence and sense of purpose. The training provided, networking and opportunity to test out a change in career path would be invaluable should I ever choose to do so.

So, for me, volunteering after retirement has provided friendship and connection, a sense of purpose, help with my own mental health and skill development.

Maybe with all these benefits, I should be paying Hayley’s!

After reading this, I do hope it has inspired you to consider volunteering. It provides amazing services, but it also gives back so much.