Age uk volunteer roles

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY AND IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

What is the purpose of this role?

The Sybil Levin Day Service is a specialist SPECAL-Led day service supporting people with dementia and their carers using the SPECAL method.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Assisting centre attendees to engage in activities.
• Serving meals and drinks.
• Helping to set up and clear away activities.
• Engaging in conversation with centre attendees.
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

• People with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of people with dementia.
• A friendly, sensitive and kind approach.
• Being comfortable in small groups or on a one to one basis.
• People with a commitment to using the SPECAL method at all times whilst at the centre.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The centre is open from Monday to Friday and would like volunteers to commit to a morning or afternoon at least once a week as a minimum.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role.  This will include a thorough Charity induction and a departmental induction to provide further information about the role.  You will also be given access to our online training library to complete the training modules that are mandatory for your role.

You will receive SPECAL training prior to commencing your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• The chance to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia.
• Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• The opportunity to learn new skills.
• Experience to add to your CV.
• The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Trustee (Volunteer)

Age UK East Sussex is a dynamic local charity and social enterprise, providing information, advice and services to older people across the county, and influencing to improve later life. We celebrate the fact that the proportion of the county's population over pensionable age is 26% of the total population. Moreover, the relative size of the population aged over 75 years is higher than in any other county in England and Wales.

As part of our ongoing programme of Board development, we are seeking new Trustees to join us to shape our future strategy and direction, overseeing and supporting those that run the organisation on a day-to-day basis.

We want people that share our passion for making our county a great place to grow older. We would also particularly welcome applicants from one or more of the following experiences:

• Lived experience of using or accessing older people’s services in East Sussex
• Finance
• Change and Transformation

Age UK East Sussex’s trustees make decisions about the charity together, working as a team. Our trustees have overall control of the charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or this is your first Board role, we will provide you with a flexible and comprehensive induction programme to support your needs and interests as well as undertake your duties as a Trustee.

The successful candidates will join a warm and welcoming Board which is highly-regarded within the national Age UK network. It has overseen the development of a charity which is a leading voice in the East Sussex volunteer sector with a strong financial position.

You can see more about our charity and our services by visiting Age UK East Sussex.

Person Specification:

What you will be doing:

• Ensuring Age UK East Sussex is carrying out its activities for the public benefit
• Complying with Age UK East Sussex's governing document and the law
• Continuously act in the best interests of Age UK East Sussex
• Managing our charitable resources responsibly
• Acting with reasonable care and skill at all times
• Ensuring your charity is accountable and complies with the law

The Skills you need:

• Passion to drive the charities objectives
• Able to work as a member of a team of trustees
• Able to make sound decisions based on the law and the charities objectives
• Willingness to share your professional and life skills
• Be able to identify irrelevant factors

Whats in it for you:

• An induction and initial training
• Ongoing training if required
• Continuous support
• Opportunities to meet other volunteers
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses
• Appreciation of your time and commitment to Age UK East Sussex

This role involves making regular contact with an older person who feels lonely or isolated. Befriending volunteers also encourage customers to become more independent inside and outside of their home with regards to activities, appointments and domestic lifestyles. This will reduce social isolation, promote independence, improve self-confidence and enable older people to take control of how they manage their physical and mental wellbeing, so they can age well and live healthier for longer.  Volunteers are matched based on location, interests and needs.

Make a difference by providing company and conversation to an older person in Croydon. Our Befriending service supports older adults by alleviating loneliness and isolation, supporting independence, and increasing self-confidence, by making weekly or fortnightly visits to a client living in the borough of Croydon.

Befriender - In Person

Duties:
• Providing companionship to clients in their home, sharing a cup of tea
• Other activities mutually agreed by both the volunteer and client, such as reading together, or helping with post, and within the Befriending Programme’s guidelines
• Maintaining records of client visits and sending those to the Befriending Coordinator on a regular basis
• Accompanying client out for a walk or to the shop if they are sufficiently able
• Accompanying client to weekly activities or social clubs to support client’s
independence
• Escorting clients to GP/hospital appointments as needed
• Adherence to Age UK Croydon’s policies and procedures, including Confidentiality and Safeguarding
Skills Required:
• Good listening and communication skills
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude
• An understanding and awareness of issues faced by older adults
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries

Befriender - Telephone

Duties:
• Providing companionship to clients by telephone for a chat
• Maintaining records of telephone calls to clients and sending those to the Befriending
Coordinator on a regular basis

Skills Required:
• Good listening and communication skills
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude
• An understanding and awareness of issues faced by older adults
• Adherence to Age UK Croydon’s policies and procedures, including Confidentiality and
Safeguarding
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Department: Health and Wellbeing

Role Location: Supporting people in their own homes in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield

Role Support: You will be supported by the Companion Service Team

What is the purpose of this role?

To provide personalised digital/IT support to older people

What impact does this role have?

Supports older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This inclusivity results in reduced loneliness and isolation and helps older people lead more healthy and independent lives.

What activities might you be involved in?

The purpose of this role is to provide personalised digital/IT support to older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This may include but is not limited to supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

What are we looking for?

· Individuals with an interest in the wellbeing of older people and who are committed to volunteering

· IT literate with good digital skills and who are confident using different Apple and Android devices (including smart phones and tablets, laptops, and smart speakers).

· Individuals who can work with learners with different levels of knowledge and skill and to be able to demonstrate empathy when needed.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.

· Ability to travel to visits either by car or public transport.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

Volunteering will be on an ad hoc basis to meet the needs of the older person that you are supporting in line with your availability.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of travel expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Location: Nottinghamshire - we hope our Trustees have a deep understanding of local people. Our Board meetings and AGM take place in person (with the exception of the January meeting which is online).

Responsibilities within the role:

• To ensure Age UK Notts is accountable 

• To ensure our purpose and work is carried out for the public benefit 

• To ensure compliance with our governance code and any relevant obligations

• To act in the best interests of the charity, and maintain the professional integrity of the charity, when dealing with stakeholders, other bodies and individuals

• To manage the charity's resources responsibly 

• To act with reasonable care and skill

• To safeguard the good name and values of the charity

• To act as an ambassador for Age UK Notts and for the wider Age UK network

• To safeguard the good name and values of the charity

• To have a positive commitment to, and actively promote, Age UK Notts’ Equality Diversity and Inclusion policy

• To act as an Ambassador for the charity and the wider Age UK network

What is the time commitment? 

The charity holds four full board meetings per year in Nottingham, with each meeting lasting around 2 hours. Meetings take place quarterly on the third Thursday of October, January, April and July.

In addition, Trustees need to set aside a minimum of 2 hours reading time before each board meeting.

. The AGM follows the board meeting on the third Thursday of October, with the meeting lasting around 1.5 hours. In addition, a minimum of 1 hour reading time is required prior to the AGM.

• There may be specific occasions when a Trustee is required to attend an event to open/close it, such as our annual staff conference

• Get to know the charity’s services and infrastructure within the first 3 years/initial tenure of the post and continue to have contact with relevant departments during subsequent 3-year tenures. Feedback on service/infrastructure visits is a standard Board agenda item.

. The charity board also has a Finance & Audit Committee which has its own Terms of Reference and has meetings separate from the Full Board Meetings. The membership of this committee is determined by the Board

• Trustees serve a three-year term of office and can be re-elected to serve additional three-year terms

What training will you be given?

We offer a full induction programme and ongoing support from the charity, other Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team plus occasional external development.

Who we're looking for:

The Trustee role is open to all those who are either a trained lawyer or who has a strong legal background and in addition, the Board of Trustees particularly welcomes experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Issues relating to work with, and for, older people or lived experience and potentially any of the following skills.
• Legal Skills
• Fundraising
• Public Relations and Marketing
• Campaigning
• Education and Learning
• Digital Strategy
• HR
• Strategy and planning skills and performance monitoring in commercial and/or not-for-profit organisations
• Developing and monitoring budgets

We particularly welcome applications from diverse communities and are looking for people from a wide range of backgrounds to join our board and contribute towards leading the charity and delivery of services to the older people of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

*Please note the following key information*

 • You must be at least 18 years old 

• You must be properly appointed following the procedures and any restrictions in the charity’s governing document 

• The role of a Trustee is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

 • You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act, including if you have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud), are bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (e.g. an individual voluntary arrangement) with a creditor or have been removed as a company director or charity trustee because of wrongdoing.

 • The Charity Trustee role is open to all those who are either a trained lawyer or who has a strong legal background*

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Finance Trustee (Volunteer)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual, with a keen interest in financial matters, to become a trustee with Age UK East Sussex. You will play an important role in a local charity that provides a number of valuable services helping older people meet the many challenges they face in later life.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the good governance of the charity, ensuring that Age UK East Sussex makes the most effective use of its resources and sets a strategic direction which meets its charitable aims. Whilst the day-to-day management of the charity rests with the Chief Executive Officer, as a trustee, you are legally responsible for the charity’s money and property, and also act as a director of a company limited by guarantee, whose activities are governed by both Charity and Company legislation.

Summary of the role

You will provide scrutiny and oversight of the work of the charity, with a particular focus on financial issues. This will include providing the Board with the reassurance that the finances and the related processes are operating effectively, ensuring best use of the charity’s resources. You will use your financial knowledge and experience to undertake a monthly review of the Charity’s management accounts, assisting the Management Team in achieving the charity’s financial targets, as well as providing the necessary oversight of the annual audited accounts process.

Personal Contribution

You are expected to contribute specific skills, interests and contacts as a Board member, and play an active part in the work of the Board, fulfilling such other duties or assignments that may be required from time to time.

Term of Office

You will serve for three years from the date of election and are eligible for re-election enabling you to serve a maximum of six consecutive years.

Time Commitment

You will be required to attend monthly meetings of the Finance and Audit Committee, as well as six meetings of the Board itself, along with a small number of other ad-hoc meetings/events.

Expenses

The position is unpaid, although travel expenses may be claimed.

Person Specification : The skills you need

Essential:

· Demonstrated commercial awareness and knowledge.

· Competent use of IT skills.

· Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.

· Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

· Good communication skills

Desirable :

· Demonstrated knowledge and experience of finance practices.

· Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.

· Skills and experience in one or more areas of non-executive governance and management e.g. strategic planning, business management, financial/accountancy, experience of Trusts or other grant giving bodies.

· A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm

This role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
• Facilitating conversation in the group
• Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
• Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
• Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
• Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
• Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
• Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.

Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham is seeking a dynamic person as our next Chair. Building on recent success you will ensure our Board delivers its strategy for local people working closely with our Chief Executive. 

What will you be doing?

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, the duties of the Chair include the following.

• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings
• Giving direction to board policy-making
• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making

With the Chief Executive:

• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
• Setting agendas for board and other general meetings
• Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive (if staff are employed) to achieve this
• Where staff are employed:
• Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
• Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the chief executive
• Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels

What are we looking for?

• Able to think strategically and creatively to enhance the development and prosperity of Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham
• Have independent judgement combined with the ability to challenge appropriately.
• They will have to read and analyze documents and should be able to provide constructive feedback.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team to ensure constructive decision making, including speaking openly on controversial subjects to enhance discussion and to enable the views of others to be explored.
• Good interpersonal skills including oral and written communication.
• Know the third sector, have been a Trustee for another charity, and have a real interest in older people.
• Strong leadership, people management skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively.
• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, together with an understanding of the financial aspects of running a charity.
• An understanding of the way in which the Third Sector works.
• Possess integrity, objectivity, accountability, honesty

What difference will you make?

They will have a leading role in helping to shape the organisation for the future and ensure that older people in Hammersmith and Fulham are getting the support to live longer and better. 

If you'd like to have a chat abvout this role, please email derec(at)ageukhf(dot)org(dot)uk

We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by: 

• Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer 

• Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for olderPeople 

The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. 

Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.

• Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.

• Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to theprogramme. 

Purpose of Role 

• Arrange and carry out assessment for new service users within the befriending service using the Guided Conversation approach, in order to gather appropriate information about the older person, their needs, and what a befriender will be expected (and not expected) to do. 

• Ensure that the person wants a befriender, has given consent, confidentiality has been discussed, and the person is able and willing to join the service. 

• Ensure that volunteers and service users are well-matched and that the service runs safely, effectively, and in line with organisational standards. 

Key Tasks 

• Carry out a needs assessment for new service users referred to the befriending service. It could be a telephone-based discussion or review of a referral form or a home visit. 

• Gather key information such as visit preferences, activity interests, potential risks, and any unmet needs. 

• Complete assessment forms and input information into the online database 

• Refer service users to other services where appropriate 

• Match service users with suitable volunteer befrienders 

• Introduce befriender and service user, and carry out a 6-week review with both parties 

• Maintain accurate records and liaise with staff throughout the process 

Skills and attributes Required 

• Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner. 

• Confident using IT 

• Empathy and understanding of older people. 

• Understanding loneliness and social isolation. 

• Consistency and reliability.

• Understanding of Confidentiality. 

• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people. 

• Patience and Sensitivity. 

• Confidence to deal with emergencies. 

• Record keeping.

• Ideal for students studying Health & Social Care, though open to all. 

Support Provided 

• You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers. 

• Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more. 

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager. 

• Goup supervision with other volunteers. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other. 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.

• Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.  

• Monthly volunteer newsletter. 

• We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers! 

• Access to in-house training opportunities 

• You will receive supervision and support throughout your course placement from your named supervisor 

Benefits 

• Make a Real Difference: Have a direct impact on the lives of Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

• Emotional Rewards 

• Intergenerational Connections 

• Learning and Skill Development 

• Enhancing Career Prospects 

• Building Empathy and Compassion 

• Giving Back to the Community 

• Social and celebration events 

• Placement Support: Ideal for Health & Social Care students—gain placement hours with supervision and guidance from a named supervisor 

• Insight into Care Needs. 

Commitment 

• We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.

• Weekly commitment 2 to 3 hours.

We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:

- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer

- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People

The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.

- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.

- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.

Purpose of Role 

• Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated. 

• Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client. 

Key tasks 

• Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.

• Provide conversation and company. 

• Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences. 

• Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health. 

• Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from. 

• Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis. 

• Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect. 

Skills and attributes 

• Understanding loneliness and social isolation. 

• Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner. 

• Keen on building a strong befriending relationship. 

• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history. 

• Consistency and reliability.

• Understanding of Confidentiality. 

• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people. 

• Patience and Sensitivity. 

• Confidence to deal with emergencies. 

• Record keeping.

• Basic IT skills. 

Support Provided 

• You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers. 

• Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more. 

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager. 

• Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other. 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.

• Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.  

• Monthly volunteer newsletter 

We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers! 

Benefits 

• Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

• Emotional Rewards 

• Intergenerational Connections 

• Learning and Skill Development 

• Enhancing Career Prospects 

• Building Empathy and Compassion 

• Giving Back to the Community 

• Social and celebration events 

Commitment 

• We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.

• Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting. 

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes

• Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
• Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-2:30
• Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
• St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
• Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00

The role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
• Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
• Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
• Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
• Reliability.
• Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.

Unremunerated

We are seeking a new Chair to join Age International and help us drive towards our vision of a world where every older person is included and valued. 

Our world is ageing rapidly, and yet ageism means older people’s needs and contributions are too often overlooked. Age International supports and promotes the rights of older people in low- and middle-income countries, through long-term programmes, humanitarian responses and advocacy.

We are the international arm of the Age UK Group, the UK member of the HelpAge International global network, and a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – the only member focussed on supporting older people through crises, from Ukraine to Gaza, Afghanistan to Myanmar.

We drive change in UK policy through influencing and campaigning focused on older people’s health, income security, humanitarian inclusion and rights. For example, we are calling for the UK Government to support a new United Nations Convention on the rights of older persons. Our turnover in the last financial year was £21m.

We are looking for a strategically focused leader with experience as a Chair, or Trustee, and an understanding of the UK international development / humanitarian sector, who will work with the CEO on direction setting, income generation and profile raising. The Chair will also play a key role in fostering collaboration between Age International, Age UK and HelpAge International.

This is a unique opportunity, so if you are excited about creating change for, and with, older people around the world – we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 2 November 2025