Jenny Eclair
One of the leading volunteer charities in Britain, WRVS, is launching a new campaign in celebration of the most influential people over the age of 66 in the worlds of business, science, the arts, public service and volunteering.
With the help of a high profile judging panel – including Grumpy Old Women star Jenny Eclair – the charity will select and publish the WRVS Gold Age Power List to recognise these individuals for the extraordinary achievements and contributions that they make to society.
One of the most important categories will recognise local unsung heroes who give up their time voluntarily to make communities across the UK a great place to grow old. WRVS wants to say thank you for the hard work they contribute every day – and wants your help in nominating them.
The charity is looking for people who make a huge impact on their local communities through the volunteering work they do. Whether it’s running a vital local service or volunteering across several different organisations – WRVS wants to hear from you.
Lynne Berry OBE, chief executive of WRVS commented: “The Power List will demonstrate that the ageing population, often considered a drain to society, isn’t anything of the sort. The WRVS network of 45,000 volunteers, many of whom are over 65, is testament to the power of acts of neighbourliness and community spirit – and they want to celebrate these volunteers and everyone else that is helping to make Britain a great place to grow old.”
Earlier in the year WRVS released the Gold Age Pensioners report, revealing that people over the age of 65 contribute £40bn a year net to the UK economy.
So if there’s an unsung hero in your area please let them know. There are three ways you can do this: complete the online form at goldagepensioners.com; write to them at the below address or call on 0845 600 9529 with:
• Your name
• Your address
• Your contact number
• Your email address (if applicable)
• The name of the person you are nominating
• Their age (they must be over 66)
• In no more than 150 words, please tell them why you’d like to nominate the person listed above, including any volunteering activities they are regularly involved in
Postal address details;
Nicola Forsyth, WRVS c/o Blue Rubicon, 5th Floor, 6 More London, SE1 2DA
The deadline for all entries is Monday 30 May so hurry!