I wrote a piece for the Alloa Advertiser on the Royal Voluntary Service when I was on work experience with the paper in late 2013. Since January, I’ve worked for the organisation as Service Administrator in Clackmannanshire. My role has given me a greater insight into the work of a devoted organisation, committed to promoting and ensuring independent and fulfilling lives for the county’s older population.

The organisation has a long history. Founded as the Women’s Voluntary Service in 1938 by Lady Reading, the organisation has continued to evolve. It has inspired over three million men and women to give up their time to help others making it the largest volunteering organisation in British History.

With the help of over 40,000 volunteers, Royal Voluntary Service today works to ensure that people feel valued and involved in their local community, regardless of their age.

In Clackmannanshire, Royal Voluntary Service runs a café at the Community Health Centre and set up its Community Transport and Good Neighbours Service last September. Working to promote independence, the organisation looks to assist older people in their day-to-day lives. A team of dedicated volunteers across Clackmannanshire engage with service users by providing transport to medical appointments, to social events or even to the supermarket. Volunteers also befriend older people, and provide a ‘good neighbours’ service, which can include anything from changing a light bulb, to collecting a pension and providing assistance to write letters.

Through my work at Royal Voluntary Service I have been able to challenge even my own assumptions about the elderly and have been able to see just how much small contributions can make to the lives of others. Volunteering can make a huge difference to someone’s quality of life, regardless of his or her age. Giving up just one hour a week, or even a month, seems so little, but can make an immeasurable impact to the life of another.