The benefits of volunteering

Volunteering is something many people choose to do in retirement. Benefits include learning new things, making new friends, connecting with your community and helping others. The cognitive stimulation and social interaction gained while volunteering may even assist in lowering some of your dementia risk factors!

The benefits of volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering, there are many roles listed on the Volunteering Tasmania website.

Opportunities include shops, farmers markets and hospitals. There are also roles looking for people to help in the community by giving friendship, care, literacy support or everyday help such as mowing a lawn. On the Volunteering Tasmania website you can also hear from a selection of volunteers from around the state who talk about what they do and why.

ISLAND members, Liz and Agnes, volunteer their time to run the Golden Wattle Dementia Cafe in Glenorchy. The cafe aims to increase awareness of dementia in the community and give people a place where they can come together, socialise, make friends and feel comfortable in a caring, safe environment. Through this volunteer work Liz says she has learned more about ageing and the importance of social connection. She finds the role rewarding and enjoys giving back to the community. Liz and Agnes are currently searching for new volunteers so if you would like to join them and make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia please reach out. You can find contact details on the website or call 0422 736 984.