RSVP is the only national body that provides volunteering opportunities for the over-50s
RSVP is the only national body that provides volunteering opportunities for the over-50s
CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE OVER-FIFTIES
Background
One result of climate change is that almost everywhere glaciers are melting.
Increased carbon dioxide in the air means that tropical seas are becoming more acidic, killing plants and animals.
The same studies, and the results that have emerged from a project carried out in Swindon, also highlight that the over-50s want to take action but are often frustrated because there are barriers to doing so.
The magnitude of what needs to be done, if humans are to avoid irreversible damage, means that meeting the challenges cannot be left to others. Everyone can play their part, whatever their personal, social or economic circumstances. By way of helping the over-50s, RSVP has initiated a project to signpost how they can access advice and information on action they can take.
Detailed information
Two documents that you can read online — or download and read at leisure — contain background information on the issues, sources of further advice and help and suggestions for ways you can contribute:
The files are in Adobe PDF format: if you haven’t already got it on your computer, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader program to view and print them.
Other ways we can help
We hope that the information and advice in these two documents will help you both find the advice and information that you need to reduce your impact on the environment and also that it may encourage you to join us in our quest to encourage others to take action. In addition there are two other ways in which RSVP West can help:
Specific Enquiries: Contact us by e-mail and we will endeavour to get back to you within a few days. Do provide a short summary of your query in the message, together with a contact telephone number — a short telephone conversation may be more helpful and productive than an e-mail exchange.
Presentations and talks: We are happy to come and talk to clubs, gatherings and community groups in the RSVP’s West region. Our presentations are kept short — a maximum of 10–15 minutes — to allow time for more informal interactive question and answer sessions. Such debate and discussion are being enjoyed by groups in Swindon and a parallel project has been developed in Wales. If you would like us to come and talk to your group or club, contact us by e-mail.
How you can help us
If you would like to join us in working to improve both the quality and extent of the information we can provide to the over 50s, then please contact us by e-mail. The contents of this section of the RSVP West Website are reviewed and refreshed quarterly and suggestions for improvements are always welcome.
© 2003–12 RSVP West. Page last updated on 17 January 2012.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
• A unique opportunity has arisen to run the tea bar at Yate magistrates court.
• Volunteers are needed now to expand the care-homes project.
• More organisers are required throughout the region, especially for schools’ and GP surgeries’ schemes.
• Would you like to become a volunteer driver? They’re wanted in Nailsea and Westbury-on-Trym.
• We need schools helpers in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North-East Somerset.
NEWS
13 Dec: The December 2011 issue of our newsletter, West Waffle, has been published.
6 Dec: The Bristol care-homes project pilot has ended and we are developing the scheme more widely.
15 Nov: Swindon older people get a louder voice. We have been at the heart of the establishment of an Older People’s Forum and will fund its development over the next 12 months.
11 Nov: The Blagdon Helpline in North Somerset has become affiliated with RSVP West.