<\/p>\n
\n Jo Doherty has spent more than 26 years supporting older people through Age UK Oxfordshire’s telephone befriending service.\n<\/p>\n
\n She was named the winner of the Volunteer Award at the BBC Radio Oxford Make a Difference Awards.\n<\/p>\n
\n The awards\u00a0recognise outstanding people who make a positive difference in their communities.\n<\/p>\n
\n There are eight categories celebrating kindness, dedication and efforts to improve life across Oxfordshire.\n<\/p>\n
\n Ms Doherty began volunteering in 2000 after early retirement from her nursing career due to ill health.\n<\/p>\n
\n She joined Age UK Oxfordshire as a volunteer Phone Friend, offering regular telephone companionship to older people who are lonely or isolated.\n<\/p>\n
\n Despite being housebound herself, Ms Doherty continues to make weekly calls to older people across the county and even doubled her efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic to reach more people in need.\n<\/p>\n
\n Ms Doherty said: “I would like to say that I am very humbled and delighted to receive this award.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I don’t leave my home these days, nevertheless I continue to volunteer as a Phone Friend.”\n<\/p>\n
\n She said volunteering has given her a sense of purpose and a way to continue helping others.\n<\/p>\n
\n Paul Ringer, CEO of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “We\u2019re delighted that Jo has received this well-deserved recognition.\n<\/p>\n
\n “For more than 26 years, she has given her time to support older people across Oxfordshire, helping them feel less alone and more connected.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Jo embodies everything that makes volunteering so valuable.\n<\/p>\n
\n Presenter of BBC Make A Difference Award for Radio Oxford, 2026 (Image: Emma Duckett \/ Age UK Oxfordshire)\n<\/p>\n
\n “Her weekly calls provide friendship and reassurance to people who might otherwise feel isolated, and her commitment has never wavered, even when facing significant health challenges herself.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Everyone at Age UK Oxfordshire is incredibly proud of Jo and grateful for the difference she continues to make.\n<\/p>\n
\n “She is an inspiration.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Age UK Oxfordshire’s Phone Friends service pairs trained volunteers with older people who would benefit from regular social contact and companionship.\n<\/p>\n
\n The scheme aims to reduce loneliness and help older people stay connected to their communities.\n<\/p>\n
\n Ms Doherty said she plans to continue volunteering for as long as she is able, bringing comfort and friendship to those who need it most.\n<\/p>\n
#Housebound #volunteer #wins #BBC #award #years #service<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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