Retired headteacher Mike has been a volunteer for the RAF Association’s Connections for Life (CfL) service for five years and finds that giving something back not only helps others but also helps his own wellbeing.
Seventy-two-year-old Mike’s connection with the RAF has been lifelong, with his father serving as a senior officer for over 30 years. His son is also currently serving as an engineering officer in the RAF.
Mike, who lives in South Wales, had intended to follow in his father’s footsteps and was accepted into the RAF’s pilot training programme.
However, his career took him on a different path, and he went on to have a successful career in education and leadership.
Following his father’s death in 2019, Mike was keen to find a way to give back to a cause that needed him.
“I wondered if there was anything I could do to support the RAF community. I mulled it over and finally took the plunge and decided to offer my time to the RAF Association,” said Mike.
Mike currently supports two beneficiaries with friendship calls, and believes the service is vital for supporting those with an RAF background, allowing them to reminisce about their life in the RAF and beyond.
“It offers an opportunity for people to delve into their memories and talk about things from their time in the RAF, particularly if the volunteer has their own connection with the RAF,” said Mike.
“Even if the volunteer hasn’t had RAF experience, it’s an opportunity to help somebody who is lonely and potentially living by themselves. It may be the only time they get to speak to somebody and build that rapport.”
Mike finds the support from the Association’s CfL team very valuable in offering practical, personal and professional support to his beneficiaries.
As well as helping his beneficiaries, Mike feels volunteering his time brings him benefits too.
“For starters, it stops me becoming an self-centred boring old bugger. But it also makes me think of others – if I can bring a bit of sparkle into somebody’s life by sharing a joke or a funny story, then that’s an enormous reward in itself.”
For anyone considering becoming a CfL volunteer, Mike has this to say: “Don’t hesitate – give it a go. It will bring an enormous benefit to the person you speak to, but you’ll get something out of it yourself.”
