We appreciate that Volunteers’ Week has ended but the principles are the same year-round – the Brits are always the best at giving back and caring for others!
Remember all the Olympic volunteers that made the 2012 London Games the best ever? And now there are loads of people WANTING to help you if you need a hand – whether it is picking up a prescription or doing some shopping, help with paying your bills or just that you are feeling low and fancy a chat – just scroll down for details.
On Friday, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke with volunteers in different parts of the country to thank them for the support that they provide to their communities.
NEED HELP?
Age UK Advice Line is a free, confidential national phone service for older people, their families and friends offering free independent advice 365 days a year from 8am until 7pm. The number is 0800 169 6565.
We called to check them out and they were very good and efficient and said that if they themselves can’t help they will definitely help get you to the right place.
Alternatively, anyone over 70 who needs help can call the Royal Voluntary Service on 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm.
We also called them and, again, they really were great and so caring!
Just remember that neither of these are emergency services so if you need a prescription picked up please give them 5 days’ notice the first time you call – but they will then set you up with whatever regular help you need.
For young people (under 25), “The Mix” is the UK’s leading support service run by an impressive group of committed people.
Please note that The Mix is currently not able to take telephone calls and the Chat is only open from 4pm to 11pm – but there is a “Crisis Messenger” service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by texting THEMIX to 85258. See https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team
Alternatively Shout85258 is the charity for which The Duke and Duchess’ Sussex have been volunteering and you can contact them by texting “Shout” to 85258 (see www.giveusashout.org)
In emergencies please call 999 or contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (yes, it really is just 6 numbers).
If you are, or you know someone, being abused please contact ChildLine immediately on 0800 1111 between 9am and midnight. Alternatively, the NSPCC number is 0808 800 5000
FANCY VOLUNTEERING?
Do-it.org is a database of UK volunteering opportunities. You can search more than a million volunteering opportunities by interest, activity or location and then apply online.
You can also contact Volunteering England, Volunteer Scotland, Volunteering Wales or Volunteering Matters to find opportunities in your area.
ABLE TO MAKE A DONATION?
Please give whatever you can to these charities who are providing incredibly important help and support.
