Welcome to Age Concern Enfield
Working with and for older people in Enfield
TransAge Action
TRANSAGE ACTION PROJECT
Age Concern Enfield launched the first TransAge Action Pilot Projects in 1995 in order to recruit and train older volunteers to work with children who need additional help in schools and other settings. The network has now developed all over the UK. The Enfield Project has been very successful and has generated huge demand for new volunteers. We work in Partnership with Sure Start.
WHY IS THE PROJECT NEEDED?The project came about as a response to changes in society that have left many families struggling with difficulties and often with no traditional extended family to provide emotional and practical support. Generations have never been so segregated and there are fewer opportunities for contact.
TransAge Action aims to bring older people and children together in a way that encourages better understanding between the generations, supportive relationships and respect between the age groups.
Most of all, this scheme gives older people a chance to share a lifetime of experiences and skills with the younger generation and to play a vital role within the community.
Quote from one volunteer:
“Volunteering beats just sitting at home”
A head teacher said that the positive comments from teachers about the volunteers were: “ a real testimony to the work you’ve done with the children and it is valued. You should not underestimate your contribution to the life of the school. It is really appreciated”.
And from Joan a volunteer:
“One little boy told me, with an amusing smile, that he had completed his task and therefore would not be doing any more work as he had now“retired”!”
Age is not a barrier to volunteering with TransAge Action as there is a 30-year age difference between the youngest and oldest volunteer. Although many of the volunteers are no longer in full-time employment, some say that they are busier now than when they were working.
Volunteers aged fifty plus are recruited twice a year and there is a six week training in January and September. After the training has been completed appropriate placements are found for each volunteer.
Once the volunteers are in placements they are offered on-going support and supervision, review meetings are held regularly, continued training sessions are organised as well as social events. Many friendships have formed among the volunteers who meet each other socially outside the placement.
If you are over fifty and would like to become a volunteer with the TransAge Action Project, why not ring us?
Judi Thomson Sure Start Manager for Age Concern Enfield 020 8375 4107
Sue Dudson TransAge Action Project Manager 020 8375 4108Link to TransAge Action article>>>
