Working
Later life is all about opportunities and choices and making the most of them. There are opportunities to do all those things in life that you always wanted to do but couldn’t because of the lack of time, maybe it’s a change of career or something to do with your hobby. You have the time – now all you need to do is decide HOW. The first choice you have to make regarding work is,
‘Do I want to work at all?’
Want to Work?
If you think you might want to do some kind of work, the next choices are:
You may find the following employment choices fact sheet helpful in making your choices just click on the link below
ace.org.uk
It could be a while since you last had to look for a job and go through the application and interview process.
Local and national newspapers carry job adverts, sometimes on a particular day of the week. Most newspapers also have a website on which job adverts will be updated more regularly.
The internet is a good way of getting access to details of many vacancies. If you do not have the internet at home, you will be able to get free use of a computer at your local library and perhaps the assistance of someone to help if you are not familiar with the internet.
You can use the internet to search for job vacancies in the following ways:
- Job search sites such as
monster.co.uk,
jobsite.co.uk,
jobsincharities.co.uk - Websites of local newspapers – see your local paper for their website address
- Websites of national newspapers such as
guardian.co.uk,
timesonline.co.uk - The Jobcentre Plus database of vacancies online at jobcentreplus
- The website of the organisation you want to work for.
The New Deal 50 + is a Jobcentre Plus programme which offers support and advice to people over 50 in order to help them find work. The programme also offers training and help if you've found it difficult to get a job or work that pays a decent wage.To find out more about New Deal 50 +, phone the New Deal help line on 0845 606 2626, text phone 0845 606 0680 (calls charged at local rate) or contact your local Jobcentre Plus office. You can also find information on the New Deal website below.
direct.gov.uk/en/Over50s/Working/LookingForWork
Other useful links include
laterlife.com
Reaching State Pension age doesn't mean you have to give up work - paid or voluntary. You can choose to keep on working while taking your State Pension entitlement, or delay your claim and get paid more later on. The government also offers schemes and incentives to help you find work. There are many website which can offer useful information on your rights and
working
direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/PensionsAndRetirement
.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/RedundancyAndLeavingYourJob
Age legislation factsheets
berr.gov.uk/employment/discriminatio
Volunteering
]WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Why should I want to volunteer? What can I possibly get out of doing things for people I don’t know? Why should I get involved with my community?
Because it’s FUN and it’s WORTHWHILE and it’s a way to stay fit and ACTIVE… that’s why.
Volunteering is about trying new things, learning new skills, meeting new people – ever thought about working in a prison or leading an exercise class? It’s about socialising – run a Pub Club meal and get a free trip out! It’s about keeping your mind and body fit and active – become a walker for someone who needs an arm to lean on, or take a reminiscence class and learn just how interesting people’s lives can be.The image of volunteering can seem to be pearls and twin set - well, we’re not going to change your style of dress – but we do insist you wear a smile! And we’ve found that with volunteering one comes free.
Just look at some of the things you might be able to get involved in –
VOLUNTEER ROLES
- Active Ageing Centre helpers
- Administration assistance
- Trip Couriers – pub lunches and outings
- HMP Stafford Project session helpers
- Active in Age exercise class leaders
- Companionship and befriending
- Drivers – car and minibus
- Christmas Day helpers
- Form Fillers
- Sunday Lunch Club helpers
- Events helpers
- Activity session tutors – crafts and IT
- Day Care helpers
- Trustees
- Walkers
- Group facilitators
- Working with younger people and children
- Reminiscence
- Music and singing
Opportunities
Whether you enjoy extreme sports and living life on the edge or just prefer a gentle stroll, there are plenty of activities available to you. Many of these activities can be combined with raising money for good causes.Are you up for a challenge???
Check out AgeConcern - events
Exercise in the Community
Active in Age Classes
Highfields Church Hall, Westway, Lovelace Close, Stafford
Meets Wednesday 2-3pm
Gentle exercises suitable for the less active
Active in Age Classes
Colwich and Haywoods Village Hall, Chilwell Avenue, Little Haywood
Meets Monday 10.30-11.30am
Gentle exercises with some floor work and relaxation techniques
Active in Age Classes
Mount Peniel Community Project
20 Sandon Road, Stafford
Meets - suspended at the moment due to illness
Other venues include:-
Great Haywood - Phoenix Club
Colwich Village Hall
Offers gentle exercises Monday mornings - Indoor Bowling Monday afternoon
Contact - Mrs J Cotterill (Secretary) 01889 881069
Gnosall - Phoenix Club
Offers guided walks
Contact Elizabeth Dale 01785 822420
Stafford - Beacon Friendship Group
Offers gentle exercises once per month
Contact Mel 01785 602115
Stafford - Riverside Recreation Centre
Swimming Sessions for the over 50s
Tuesday 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm - 2.00pm
For more information of all activities at Stafford Leisure Centre please click on the following link staffordbc.gov.uk
meeting People
We will be soon bring a individuals together who have similar tastes and interests, so watch this space for how you can be some of the first to get together and do the things you love!