A journey to active volunteering: Keiths MacDougall’s Story

Keith is a great example of the valued contribution older people make to our communities through volunteering. Starting as a project participant, he first contacted Age Friendly Salford in June 2022, enquiring about any activities he could participate in. He was in his early 80s with some long-term health issues that had negatively impacted his fitness, so was eager to take part in activities that would improve this.

Keith was informed by our team about our weekly Walk & Talks which run in parks across Salford. These sessions aim to support primarily older people get out into green spaces, keep active and connect with their communities and peers. As Keith lives in Swinton, some walks would require him to take 2 buses to get there, which he was less sure about. However, Keith attended his first Walk and Talk and was proud of himself. Despite being anxious at his ability level, he finished it and really enjoyed the opportunity to get out and meet new people.

He has continued to join the Walk & Talks and has also since joined weekly Brew & Chat sessions in his local library where he has made new connections that have turned into friendships. Keith says that he is grown in confidence, gained stamina and made new friends.

After he had experienced such a huge lift to his own wellbeing through the activities, Keith was asked if would consider helping others by volunteering on the walks as a Wellbeing Champion. Our Wellbeing champions have supportive conversations following the NHS 5 ways to wellbeing model.

“Tonicha asked me if I would like to try being a volunteer because of my communication skills with others, and that I like to get to know new people, I like to help others anyway I can, hoping for personal benefits for my mental health and knowing I’ve done something worthwhile. Seen other volunteers, and thought it looked interesting, so I wanted to give it a try.”

Doing this for a few months Keith has found he is making a huge contribution to people’s wellbeing and general health. He said that “It is the people that motivate me and getting up early in the morning that makes me feel I’m doing something worthwhile, something that will benefit people by talking to them. I like sharing some jokes and humour to brighten their day. I like to support people in any way I can and if they need specific support, I’m able to research and find out information for those who need it.”

After volunteering for Walk and talk Keith also decided to try supporting the Check and Chat calls which provide a wellbeing phone call to those older people who are housebound and unable to see and speak to people out in the community.

“At the start of the calls, I was slightly anxious, bit nervous, didn’t know what to expect, I find it easy speaking to people face to face so this felt like it was going to be a challenge for me. on the phone. Once I got into doing a few calls regularly I found it easier to talk to a few people over the phone. Overall, I enjoy doing it, love talking to people, getting feedback and hoping I can help them more. I enjoy a successful chat, and the unexpected challenge of not knowing what someone will say. Check and Chat benefits my own wellbeing by giving me a sense of fulfilment”

Keith’s volunteering to support those isolated older people has been incredible, offering them a real connection, and a friendly conversation with a person who has similar lived experience.

Keith is still volunteering and is a notable example of the integral role older people play in contributing to the community, specifically through volunteering. He feels older people are a great asset as volunteers because “They are a lot wiser, have a lot of wisdom and lived experience. They can utilise this to talk and educate others and are an integral part of the community. Without them the community would not function properly.”

So many older people volunteer in Salford just like Keith and have added a great richness to all our activities, for example through talking to others and sharing their great wealth of knowledge and experience. When we asked him what he would say to anyone thinking of volunteering he answered, “I would tell them to have a go, they have nothing to lose, they have valuable skills and knowledge to offer and the experience behind them to share with others. It can also help them to feel valued and be an integral part of the community.”