An interview with a volunteer - Moira

May 28

Written By BEA

Older Wiser Local Seniors (OWLS) is a charity that is based in Headingley in Leeds. Ran with friendly volunteers, we provide opportunities for people aged 60 and over to thrive in their local community, through a range of activities, trips, and casual meet-up sessions. To find out more about OWLS, hear from our amazing volunteer Moira as she gets hands-on in the allotment.

“It has changed my life in the best possible way!”

Moira started volunteering at OWLS around a year and a half ago, shortly after moving to Leeds. As an ex-physics teacher, she was used to being in a lively environment and after retiring felt that she still had something to give back to the local community. Not only this, but she was struggling with loneliness herself, having moved from Cumbria and not knowing many people. Getting stuck in with volunteer work was a great way to meet new faces – and Moira puts many of her current friendships down to volunteering, claiming that OWLS has changed her life in the best possible way.

Moira says that she brings her big personality to OWLS, always “smiling and sassing” no matter the task. Her favourite thing to help with is the allotment, which she gets involved with most weeks. Whilst she claims it was originally looking a bit of a mess, she’s found that with a bit of TLC the place is looking great. The bees are happily buzzing around, and they’ve grown some impressive cabbages, too!

Becoming a “bus buddy” is another way that Moira has been able to make the most of her time at OWLS, allowing her to meet interesting older people, whilst also helping them maintain their independence. Whilst taking people to and from locations, whether that’s to special seaside trips or just to the supermarket, Moira says that she’s found out so much about people’s amazing lives, declaring that “what they haven’t done is just not worth knowing, really.”

“Just give it a go - you don’t lose anything by doing it, and there’s so much to gain!”

One piece of advice that Moira has for anyone wanting to get involved at OWLS, or any other similar organisation, is to “just give it a go - you don’t lose anything by doing it, and there’s so much to gain!”