Volunteering Matters: Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP)

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) is a programme within Volunteering Matters that provides opportunities for people aged 50 and over to use their energy, enthusiasm and experience to improve the health and wellbeing of others, reduce social isolation and alleviate disadvantage in their communities.

Locally based and responding to local needs, RSVP projects take many different forms across the UK. Projects are led by volunteer Organisers, who recruit, manage and support groups or teams of volunteers. In general, projects undertaken by RSVP groups are self-funded through local fundraising and grants.

Beneficiaries may be of all ages. Volunteer driver schemes very often benefit older people, but can be an essential help to many.

Volunteers can help children in schools, or on hospital wards. Knitting groups meet for coffee and a chat but their work will often be distributed locally and abroad.

RSVP is represented within Volunteering Matters by the RSVP Steering Group – a group of RSVP Organisers advised and supported by staff members from Volunteering Matters.