Welcome to the Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme

Life is full of chance and what often makes the difference is a little bit of luck, which was what happened in the late 1980's when a good idea and a worrying social phenomenon came together. At that time, a rapid rise in early retirement was taking place nationwide. Redundancy was leaving thousands of healthy and active 50 and 60 year olds, as well as those of 70 and upwards, wondering what to do with the rest of their lives.

Into this uncertain social scene came Arthur Garson, an American with a proven idea called the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme that was working well in his own country. The aim of RSVP was to encourage 60 year olds and upwards to become active in their communities. What gave it an almost revolutionary flavour was the freedom for the volunteer to choose their projects. They would lead, instead of be led. As Arthur summed it up, we form groups together, and then we approach people and see if they need help

After various enquires, Arthur focused on Canterbury for a test run of his idea. In time RSVP became a reality and part of Community Service Volunteers. Today we have some 10,000 + volunteers nationwide and over 100 here on the Isle of Wight. All our volunteers are supported by our four area Co-ordinators and Office Manager at our Shanklin Office.