Experience Corps

Largest amount ever spent on voluntary project Open to the over 50s Will draw on life skills and experience 250,000 volunteers wanted by March 2004

The move follows research which shows volunteering reaches its peak at 49.

The Experience Corps, which will be open to both sexes, aims to plug the gap in funding for voluntary groups which has been cut by some local authorities.

Launching the initiative, Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The Experience Corps aims to run the largest campaign this country has ever seen to recruit people over the age of 50, who want to give their time and experience but may not know where to start."

Decline in volunteering

He added: "The Experience Corps has been granted the largest amount the Home Office has ever given to a new volunteering scheme.

We believe everybody every single person in this age group has an experience they can pass on

Maggie Semple, Experience Corps chief executive

"It has the target of attracting 250,000 volunteers by March 2004."

Mr Blunkett called on local authorities to do more to encourage local volunteers.

The Experience Corps aims to tap into the experience and expertise of older people.

Home Office figures show 44% of 40 to 49-year-olds have some kind of civic involvement, which might include signing petitions, contacting the local council, attending public meetings, with the same percentage being involved volunteering.

That declines to 40% for the 50 to 64-year-olds and 32% for people older than 65.

'Life skills'

Experience Corps chief executive Maggie Semple said: "The Experience Corps is about showing people over 50 that they are needed by their local communities precisely because of the life skills and experiences they have gained.

"It is not just about professional skills but also experience gained through everything that we encounter in life such as bringing up a family, coping with illness or sticking with a personal interest or hobby.

"We believe everybody every single person in this age group has an experience they can pass on."