Volunteering is often described as a way of giving back. But for many people, especially in their sixties and beyond, it is also a way of moving forward. A new rhythm. A fresh purpose. A way of staying connected to the world in a meaningful, human way. And yet, for those thinking about volunteering for the first time, or returning to it after years away, the first question is often a simple one. Where do I begin? 

It starts, like most good things, with curiosity. Not necessarily about organisations or roles or responsibilities, but about yourself. What do you enjoy? What matters to you? Are you drawn to people, to animals, to the environment, to history, to health, to education? There is no right answer. Some people want to feel useful. Others want to feel connected. Some are looking for structure. Others for a reason to get out of the house. The important thing is to know what kind of experience you are looking for, not in precise terms, but in feeling. 

Once you have a sense of that, the next step is to explore what is out there. And there is more than most people realise. Local charities, food banks, libraries, conservation groups, hospitals, schools, community arts projects, visitor centres, and support organisations for everything from literacy to loneliness, all rely on volunteers. Some roles are ongoing and regular. Others are short-term or occasional. Many have become more flexible since the pandemic, with remote or hybrid options available for those who prefer to help from home. 

It can be helpful to start close to home. A visit to your local volunteer centre, community hub, or library may reveal opportunities you would never have thought to search for. There are also national websites that gather listings across sectors, allowing you to browse by location or interest. But the real test is not what looks good on paper, but what feels right in person. If something sparks your interest, make an enquiry. Have a conversation. Ask what is involved. You are not committing to anything yet, you are just finding your way. 

Volunteering should feel like a good fit, not a burden. It should stretch you just enough to keep things interesting, but not so much that it becomes stressful. If you are retired or working less, the time you give should support your life, not overtake it. It is okay to set boundaries. To say how much time you can offer, and what you are and are not comfortable with. Most organisations will be glad simply to have your time and experience, and will do their best to match you with a role that suits. 

It is also perfectly normal to try something and realise it is not quite right. That does not make it a failure. It just means you are learning what works for you. And sometimes, the most unexpected roles turn out to be the most rewarding. A man who never saw himself as outgoing finds quiet joy in befriending. A woman who thought she was finished with spreadsheets helps a small charity keep its records in order. These are not grand gestures. But they matter. Deeply. 

The beauty of volunteering is that it creates a kind of mutual enrichment. You bring your time, your skills, your presence. In return, you receive connection, structure, purpose, and often a deeper understanding of the community around you. It is not always easy. But it is rarely unrewarding. 

If you are thinking about volunteering, trust the instinct. Take a small step. Ask the question. Make the call. You never know what might follow. A new friendship. A sense of belonging. A day that feels, quite simply, like it mattered.