Elizabeth, 80, from Middleton in Rochdale, volunteers with Greater Manchester Older People's Network (GMOPN).
I’m a member of Greater Manchester Older People's Network’s Steering Group, and I sit on the Transport and Health & Social Care working groups. I also volunteer with Better Health 4 Middleton to help people in my area, especially since we lost a walk-in centre.
I have been volunteering since 1987. At the time there was a major problem, especially with women who were on tranquilizers. I got involved to raise the profile about how difficult the situation was. We started a Well Women's Centre, which was a great success, and worked with Oxford University, who were providing training. A lot of local men were annoyed!
I was always interested in the area - Middleton. It was quite a deprived area. I started getting involved with the housing association to help understand all the changes happening around me. That was in back in 2002. I am just curious and love learning new things. I love getting involved in volunteering, otherwise life would be boring. For me, it's been a great adventure; being a volunteer, I've met a lot of great people.
Volunteering has enriched my life. It makes me feel important. I often think what to other people do for older people. Volunteering is often not on the agenda. When people don't volunteer, they just look at you like you're an idiot sometimes, but other volunteers have the same passion as you do!
My favourite memory was visiting the House of Lords, representing GMOPN around 5 years ago. We were trying to stop paying £159 a year for a TV license but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.
We could do more integration and celebrate more what older people are doing. James, Jack and Sam - lovely boys, my grandchildren! Becoming a grandmother was one of the best things happening in my life, and I had to spend some time in America helping out my daughter as the care system isn't great there. So it's interesting how things work in different places and what changes it needs. I like to think of myself as generous in spirit and I want to set an example to my boys.
What song best sums up your volunteering experience:
ABBA - Mamma Mia
