Celebrating social connections for International Day of Older People!

1^st October marks the International Day of Older people, and this year we are celebrating the role that social connections can play in our lives; from a quick hello on the street to deep and supportive relationships that are built over time.

We know that our older people play a huge part in contributing to our communities across Doncaster. So, it’s important to us that we highlight some of the amazing work taking place and how others can get involved to support their communities too.

Meet Tina! One of our older adults who supports with the City of Doncaster Council Buddy Scheme. Tina has worked all her life, always having a minimum of 1 full time job and often running an extra 1 or 2 part time jobs and voluntary work as she loves to keep herself busy.

At 59 years old, Tina saw an opportunity within the Your Life Doncaster newsletter about how to become a Buddy. This scheme helps to support young people in care by matching them with a buddy who is a positive adult role model and provides 1-2-1 time and space for a young person to talk, feel listened to, valued, and have some fun. 

Tina and her buddy spend a minimum of 2 hours per month together to do fun activities such as bowling, cinema or simply walking the dogs! After spending time with her buddy, Tina feels rewarded in the fact she feels she is making a difference just by building a friendship with someone who trusts and enjoys themselves by spending time together. 

Since joining the scheme, Tina has found her friendship with her young person gets stronger every time they meet. They laugh, have fun and from time to time she finds him taking over her car stereo with music she wouldn’t usually listen to, but her buddy talks her through the meaning and artist which now makes her love it!

Tina said “Anyone considering doing ‘Buddy’ voluntary work, I would say GO FOR IT!  You will not be disappointed, it’s so rewarding, you feel like you are giving something back, and supporting local communities as well as young people in care. You do not have to be 100% fit, just committed to time.”

“I hope that in the future all ages and abilities within the community can come together and build understanding, help, empathy and result in more positive benefits for everyone locally. If everyone could do just a little bit, whatever their abilities or age then everyone would benefit.”

Tina’s young person says “everything is great about her. She’s so funny, and helpful. When I’m having a bad day, she helps me to be happy again and does things with me that I like. She knows I love cars and for my birthday she got me this car experience which I am so excited about. She does a lot for me. I am so lucky that she is my buddy.”

His foster carer says “Tina is a very lovely and understanding buddy. She is empathetic to his needs and abilities and understands the difficulties he has. She is always calm and enthusiastic, turning up to the house with a jolly attitude and big smile on her face. She is beyond the criteria of a buddy; she is everything and more. I am really pleased he has her. She is a really positive influence on him.”

It’s important to remember, ageing doesn’t stop us from forming or keeping relationships, but certain aspects of later life, like retirement or changing health, can bring both new possibilities and new challenges.

So, if you have been inspired by Tina’s story and want to get involved with giving back to your local community, there are many different opportunities available. You can find a variety of different volunteering opportunities via the Doncaster Volunteer bank. Or if the Buddy scheme sounds interesting to you, you can find all the information on our website.