University of York student Olivia Siwoku recently received a “Student Volunteering and Community Award” for her wonderful work supporting local charity Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY).

OCAY offers support and advocacy for over 50s in the York area and has helped 308 people in the last 6 months, in very practical ways including benefits, energy and housing support.

The psychology student started volunteering for OCAY in her first year. She wanted something that fitted into her studies and part-time work, and OCAY offered her the opportunity of gaining valuable, flexible experience helping people, particularly those who find it difficult to use computers or complete complex forms.

Olivia explained “When I was nominated, it was totally unexpected. It’s a privilege to receive this award and to help so many people. It’s awful to lose your independence and a lot of my clients are living with dementia or other illnesses”. Olivia recalls an individual she helped with a blue badge, who made a £100 donation to the charity, because it helped her and her husband, who is disabled and living with dementia, so much. She says “Usually people have struggled on for some time, thinking the process is a bit of a minefield and not wanting to mess it up. The free support we offer can be life changing.”

She added “With a blue badge, it means people can get the accessibility they need and helps them get out and about more. The support we offer is over the phone or in the person’s home which means they can get involved and take control of their own life. We’re like a facilitator for this, especially as they often don’t have a computer.”

Olivia explains why she likes volunteering at OCAY. “It’s really flexible and not like working in a shop for example, where you have to be there at the same time every week. You can choose what time in the week works for you and what hours are best, and whether to work in the office or at home. All the staff are so lovely and you get a lot of support. You have check in calls to make sure you’re doing ok. They are really understanding if you have other commitments. I like the newsletter to keep you updated with everything. And they have regular meet ups. Things like that make you feel part of the team and community. They really encourage that. Also you learn so much.”

3 reasons to volunteer at OCAY
• Flexibility – you choose the hours, when and where you work, the clients you work with and what client issues you work on
• Variety – there is such a wide range of topics to learn about from benefits, energy, finance, health, consumer complaints and more
• Support – the team respond very quickly to any queries and you receive full training

Get in touch
Call: 01904 676 200
Email: info@ocay.org.uk
In person: The Priory Street Centre, York