45 Dementia volunteer roles

Volunteering Opportunity 

Physical Activity Mentor

What You’ll Do

Support older people aged 65+ to become more physically active and achieve personal wellbeing goals through one-to-one mentoring. You'll provide encouragement, motivation, and practical support to help someone make positive lifestyle changes over a 12-week programme.

You will:

· Meet with an older person regularly to build a supportive mentoring relationship

· Help them identify a wellbeing or physical activity goal

· Work together to create achievable steps and milestones

· Encourage and motivate them to stay active and overcome barriers

· Review progress and celebrate achievements

· Signpost to local activities and opportunities where appropriate

· Maintain accurate records of mentoring sessions

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Communication and active listening

· Motivation and mentoring skills

· Confidence supporting behaviour change

· Understanding of healthy ageing and physical activity

· Organisation and record keeping

· Problem-solving and goal setting

Time Commitment

Minimum 2 hours per week

Flexible weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm

Location: Enfield Please note this role may involve visiting individuals in their homes, as well as meeting them in public and community settings.

Reports to: Communities in Motion Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us (email address included in application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteering Opportunity 

Group Activities Mentor

What You’ll Do

Support a small group of older people aged 65+ to become more active and improve their wellbeing. You'll facilitate discussions, encourage participation, and help the group work towards shared goals during a 12-week programme.

You will:

· Support a group of up to 6 participants

· Help the group identify a shared wellbeing or physical activity goal

· Facilitate weekly group sessions

· Encourage participation and positive peer support

· Monitor progress towards agreed goals

· Introduce ideas and activities that support healthy ageing and wellbeing

· Maintain attendance and session records

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Group facilitation

· Communication and leadership

· Motivation and coaching skills

· Confidence managing group discussions

· Organisation and planning

· Problem-solving and teamwork

Time Commitment

Minimum 2 hours per week

Flexible weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm

Location: Community locations around Enfield

Reports to: Communities in Motion Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Octavia believes that good homes make for better lives. We aim to build happier lives and resilient communities by focusing on people as individuals, providing them with a range of services and the opportunity to support themselves. Part of what we do is to offer a wide range of care and support services to older and vulnerable adults living in west and central London but we specialise in providing care for those experiencing dementia or with complex needs. Flexibility is a key part of all of our care and support services as our focus is on the individual - helping people to stay as active and independent as possible.

Reasons to volunteer

Would you like to share your skills and interests with older people in your local area? For instance, playing music, singing, running an arts or crafts or chess club? If you have an interest, we’d love you to share it!

· Help to improve the quality of someone’s life, encouraging their independence, self-worth & confidence

· Full induction, ongoing training and support provided. This includes training on: safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality

· We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments

· Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*

· The opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills

What would I be doing?

· To facilitate activities involving physical, mental, social, intergenerational stimulation

· To help residents learn or relearn new tasks, hobbies and enjoy new experiences

· To help improve the quality of resident’s lives by engaging them in activities, thereby helping them retain their sense of independence, self-worth and confidence

 · Helping supporting the cooks preparing meals for service users

What skills are we looking for?

· Good communication skills

· Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues

· Understanding of confidentiality; reliable and trustworthy

When & how often would I volunteer for?

· Ideally for a minimum of one session weekly or fortnightly, for 2 hours. We welcome anything in addition to this and are very flexible. Our schemes run activities from 10am-6pm 7 days a week.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Oaklea Trust in their search for their next Chair of Trustees. 

About Oaklea Trust

The Oaklea Trust is a charitable organisation whose purpose is to give vulnerable people the opportunity to live and work as independently as possible within their community. Established in 2002 and based in Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland, we support disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults. Our charitable work supports people of all ages who have Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Mental Health needs, and/or Dementia.

The Oaklea Group is made up of the charity, Oaklea Trust, and its commercial arm, Right2Work. Together, they support people and communities to learn, develop and thrive through person-centred care and support, learning opportunities, and pathways into employment.

This is a unique opportunity to help lead a values-driven organisation that supports people and communities across the North of England to learn, develop and thrive.

About the Chair opportunity

As Chair, you will energise and empower the Board and the Group as a whole. You will foster a culture of openness, collaboration, and constructive debate. You will inspire confidence and ensure the highest standards of governance, integrity and accountability. 

You will also help shape the Group’s future impact, supporting our mission to reduce inequality and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Through your strategic insight and advocacy, you will help extend our reach, strengthen partnerships and ensure more people can access the care, support and opportunities they need and deserve.

The Chair of the Oaklea Board of Trustees will:

• Ensure the Board functions effectively
• Guide Oaklea Trust’s strategic direction
• Ensure governance oversight
• Represent Oaklea Trust internally and externally
• Evaluate and support the Chief Executive
• Champion the leadership of Committees

We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees who can bring the following experience and capabilities to the role. We recognise that lived experience can offer valuable insights that greatly enhance a role like this, especially when combined with professional expertise.

Experience/Background:

• Experience of strategic leadership and governance within an organisation of equivalent size and complexity to Oaklea Trust, ideally within a Group structure. 
• A track record of driving growth and innovation, with the ability to apply insight to support the achievement of Oaklea Trust’s strategic objectives. 
• Understanding of the challenges associated with leading and delivering regulated services and the management of the associated risks.
• Ability to constructively challenge and hold space for compassionate and constructive conversations.
• Financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability. 
• Ability to scrutinise and manage financial risk, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and safeguarding against fraud. 
• Ability to open doors, build networks and maximise opportunities with a range of stakeholders, funders and partner organisations.
• Previous trustee and/or Chair/Vice Chair experience is desirable.

Car drivers needed to help with transporting our members to and from medical appointments, shopping trips, day centres, social events, etc.. Vehicle and fuel provided. Our Dial-a-Ride service is targeted towards people who would struggle to use public transport, whether that's due to medical issues, special education needs, or being elderly or frail.

• Flexible hours to suit (Monday to Friday)
• An opportunity to meet and work with a variety of people
• Making good use of spare time
• Being a valued member of a team
• Satisfaction in providing an essential service

Drivers must:

• Be over 25 years of age
• Hold a valid driving licence
• Be able to work within a code of practice
• Supply references
• Pass Disclosure & Barring Service checks*

*DBS checks funded by Community Link

Help older people claim welfare benefits through home visits, form-filling and friendly support.

About Us

Age UK Buckinghamshire is a local, independent charity and part of the wider Age UK Network. We support older people across the county through vital services including befriending, information and advice, dementia support, practical help at home, and welfare benefits support - helping people stay independent, connected, and supported.

Our work is more important now than ever. Many older people face growing challenges such as the rising cost of living, social isolation, and difficulty accessing support. 

As demand for our services continues to increase, community support is essential to help us reach more people in need. By raising awareness of what we do, we can ensure that older people know where to turn for help, and inspire others to support our work through volunteering, fundraising, and partnership.

What do Welfare Benefits Volunteers do?

Help older people boost their income by becoming a Welfare Benefits Volunteer.

Many older people face financial difficulties because they are not claiming all the welfare benefits they are entitled to. At Age UK Buckinghamshire, we support older people to access the benefits they deserve by offering personalised advice and practical help.

Our trained volunteer advisors visit people in their own homes to guide them through the claims process, completing benefit forms on their behalf and ensuring applications reflect their individual circumstances.

Following full training, you will be matched with clients for one-off home visits, usually lasting one to two hours. Along the way, there’s often time for a friendly chat, and perhaps a cup of tea, while making a real difference to someone’s quality of life.

What skills does a Welfare Benefits Advisor need?

• Empathy and patience with older people
• A professional, friendly and approachable manner
• Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills
• A non-judgemental approach
• Willingness to learn about older people’s benefits

What training do we provide?

Successful applicants complete 2 training sessions covering the needs of older people and welfare benefits.  At the end of this initial training, you will be “buddied” with one or more experienced volunteers, first as an observer and later as an advisor until you have the knowledge and confidence to undertake one-to-one visits.

How much time do we expect you to give?

Once trained, you can commit to as many or as few visits per week as you wish. Each visit takes, on average, about 1 – 2 hours.  There are quarterly meetings that provide support and additional training days from time to time to keep up with new legislation.

What is our commitment to you?

• We will provide initial and ongoing training to help you develop your knowledge and skills.
• We will continue to support you in your role, providing information and advice as necessary.
• We will discuss with you any problems you may have with your role, or any concerns we have.
• We will reimburse reasonable, approved out of pocket expenses.

South East London Mind is excited to be recruiting for committed volunteer telephone counsellors for our Mindline service.

The Mindline and Crisis Counselling Service in Greenwich has been supporting people for approximately 35 years. The service aims to reduce risk to people in crisis, to strengthen people’s ability to manage emotional difficulties and mental distress, and to seek to prevent people being admitted to hospital. It is highly valued in the community both by those that use the service and those who signpost people to this support.

Telephone support via Mindline is available Monday to Saturday. This includes 4 evenings during the week, and Saturday mornings.

This important role will work under the support and guidance of both our Mindline day and evening coordinators to provide telephone support to those who call the service. You will provide emotional support and, where necessary, signpost callers to more appropriate services to meet their needs.

We ask that our volunteer telephone counsellors commit to an extensive 6 weeks training once a week, undertake a period of shadowing experienced telephone counsellors before being able to take on the role with confidence. We then ask that you commit to a minimum of one 3-hour session each week for at least 1 year.

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

How to apply:

Please find details on how to apply on our website.

Trustee with social care experience

Style Acre is a dynamic and creative charity supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism across Oxfordshire.

We are looking for a committed and motivated individual with social care experience and who is aligned to our vision to create communities where people with learning disabilities and autism are valued as equals and to our values of caring, respect, honesty, ambition, and collaboration.

The role of a Trustee is unpaid and voluntary. We expect all Trustees to actively contribute to the work of the Board, using their skills and experience to give strategic direction, evaluate performance, and ensuring the charity is run efficiently and effectively. This post requires the applicant to have a good understanding of the social care sector and the challenges it faces, preferably with hands-on experience in the sector.

Trustees are expected to:-

• attend up to 4 Board meetings per year and an annual awayday. Meetings are usually held on a Thursday 1-5pm. In addition, there is  a finance & audit committee which also meets quarterly.
• contribute advice and support on an ad hoc basis.
• attend events and promote the work of the charity.
• visit services regularly but as a minimum on a quarterly basis. 

All travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be re-imbursed if required.  Applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Trustees of Style Acre play an important role in setting the strategy, culture, and vison of the charity, supporting the management team to deliver high quality support,  and ensuring the people we support are living their best lives at the heart of their local community. For more information on our work, please visit our website at Style Acre.

SEL Mind’s Benefits Support Service is making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges in the boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Lambeth and Southwark. We empower people by providing compassionate guidance and practical assistance as they navigate the often-complex process of applying for disability benefits.

We are looking for a thoughtful, motivated and committed volunteer with good listening and communication skills to join our Benefits Support Service. You will have experience of working with people with mental health issues, either through work, volunteering or lived experience, and some knowledge of welfare benefits gained through work, volunteering or personal experience. Comprehensive training will also be provided.

The role will involve:

• Supporting clients on a one-to-one basis, either in person or over the phone, to complete Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Work Capability Assessment (WCA) forms
• Helping clients to articulate how their mental health and any related conditions impact their daily lives
• Helping clients prepare for health assessments and, where required, attending assessments with them to provide emotional support and help ensure their needs and challenges are fully heard
• Maintaining organised and up-to-date casework records and documentation
• Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
• Keeping the Benefits Support Volunteer Manager and/or Advice Project Coordinator updated about client interactions and your location, in line with safeguarding and health and safety best practices
• Participating in regular support sessions and meetings as part of a collaborative and supportive volunteer team

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

How to apply:

Please visit our website for instructions on how to apply for this role.

The Role

As a Flyer Distributor you will play a crucial role in helping to raise awareness about our services and events within the Enfield community. You will be responsible for disseminating promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, and event announcements to various locations within the Enfield area.

• Distribute promotional materials provided by Age UK Enfield to designated locations across the Enfield area. This may include community centers, libraries, local businesses, healthcare facilities, and other relevant locations.
• Engage with members of the public in a friendly and courteous manner while distributing flyers. Answer any questions they may have about Age UK Enfield's services and provide basic information about upcoming events or initiatives.
• Keep accurate records of the locations visited and the quantity of promotional materials distributed. Report back to the supervisor on to provide updates on distribution progress.
• Act as an ambassador for Age UK Enfield by promoting the organisation's mission, values, and services to the community. Help to increase brand recognition and visibility within the local area.

General Key Skills:

• Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
• Comfortable with walking and standing for long periods in various weather conditions.
• Maintaining professionalism and addressing public inquiries effectively.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, with a strong sense of responsibility.

Time Commitment

2-4 hours Between 10 am - 2 pm (there are other volunteer opportunities available)

Requirements

A DBS Enhanced check will be required. Training to be provided around safeguarding.

Other Information

Please note: It is a unpaid position however travel costs and other volunteering expenses will be covered.

We’re excited to offer a new, rewarding volunteer opportunity in our Day Patient Unit (DPU) at the Hospice in Winsley, Bradford on Avon. If you’re caring, compassionate, and love connecting with people, we’d love to hear from you!

As a Nursing Support Volunteer, you’ll bring comfort and companionship to patients in our Friday respite group. You’ll help create a welcoming space where patients can enjoy activities, laughter, and support.

No two shifts are the same! You’ll be part of a friendly, dedicated team, helping with a variety of tasks and making a real difference to patients and their families. Respect, dignity, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.

We’ll give you a full induction, top-quality training, and ongoing support. All we ask is your energy, kindness, and commitment to person-centred care.

Why we need you

To assist the team in providing nursing and personal care to our patients and support to their families and friends.

What you will be doing

• To provide personal care for the patients as required
• To prepare and serve refreshments and meals during your shift and assist with eating as needed
• Connect and chat to patients and families – led by them
• To inform the nurses of care you have provided and handover at the end of your volunteer shift

The skills you need

• Good communication skills and ability to be led by the patient
• Empathy & understanding
• Friendly and approachable
• Ability to work in a team
• Reliability
• Awareness of you own support needs
• Experience of caring / nursing 
• Volunteers must be over 18 years of age for this role

What's in it for you

• Help a local charity and give something back
• Learn new skills
• Gain more confidence
• Make new friends
• All training and induction to Dorothy House provided
• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed

Please note

This role will requires a DBS check

It’s easy to forget how long a week can feel when you’re on your own. Could you spare an hour to brighten an older person’s day? Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale is looking for friendly volunteers to offer companionship to people who may spend long periods alone with little or no social contact.

A weekly visit or phone call can lift someone’s mood, ease isolation, and give them something positive to look forward to. You don’t need any experience — just kindness, good listening skills, and a genuine enjoyment of chatting.

What the older person gains

• Feeling less alone and more connected

• A boost to mood, confidence and wellbeing

• Friendly reassurance from someone they trust

What you gain

• The chance to make a real difference

• Warm, meaningful connections

• A flexible role that fits around life

• The feel‑good impact of helping someone feel less isolated

“Queer Space” is a support group is for adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and who have experience of mental health challenges. It is a peer-led space with a focus on empowerment, community, expression and joy. Above all, the space is led by the community it serves.

We are seeking a Volunteer Group Facilitator is to provide peer support and facilitate a group with the guidance of a coordinator, whilst creating a welcoming environment and sharing their own knowledge/experience of living with mental health difficulties. The role will also entail the planning of groups and assisting with other peer support administrative duties.

We will be running two groups, daytime and evening; you are welcome to apply for both or just one.

The group offers:

• A safe space to talk openly and honestly about mental health, Queerness and identity
• Peer support from people who have walked a similar path
• Real talk: honest discussions led by peer group facilitators who have been there
• Fun! A space to express, explore and create to understand ourselves, our identities and our place in the world better.

What we’re looking for:

• Enthusiasm for supporting and engaging people in group settings, helping to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• A willingness to draw on your own personal lived experience and share to inspire hope and connection.
• Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to offer empathy, encouragement and appropriate support.
• A collaborative team player who can work effectively with colleagues and volunteers and carry out basic administrative tasks.
• Commitment to promoting wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels respected and valued.
• A reliable and professional individual who can represent South East London Mind positively and commit to volunteering regularly over the long term.

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Gain frontline experience
• Expenses paid in line with volunteering policy
• Opportunities to progress within organisation
• Regular training and development opportunities
• Ongoing supervision and support
• An opportunity to be part of a team
• An opportunity to help people within the local community
• Volunteering Week celebrations
• In-depth induction training which includes active listening skills, group dynamics, mental health awareness, and EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)

Interested in the role? Next steps:

• Complete a Volunteer Application Form using role person specification as a guide
• Interview and reference check
• Undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check
• Complete our volunteer training programme

Queer space is a peer-led service. As such, the successful candidate should have lived experience of the LGBTQ+ community, with their own experience of mental health issues.

We recognise the importance of having a diverse and inclusive work force, and would therefore particularly welcome applications from the following, currently under-represented, groups:

SEL Mind is committed to meeting the reasonable adjustments of disabled people and always welcomes applications from people with lived experience of mental health problems.

How to apply

Please find our application form and details of how to apply on our website.

Based right in the heart of the city, Shopmobility is a vital and much loved service for all of our customers.  A place where they know they will be listened to, treated with dignity and provided with the best assistance we can offer them, to live their lives independently.

Equal Lives is a user led Disabled People's Organisation and we're really proud of Shopmobility!  It's the part of our organisation which is people facing, the part where our staff and volunteers get to represent us and interact with our customers on a daily basis.  So, it's vital that we have the right people on hand and that's where you come in!

If you've got a passion to help the Disabled community by empowering them to live the life they deserve, then you're our kind of person.  We're looking for those compassionate individuals who want to help others, who are happy to give a few minutes to listen to someone's story, to ask how their day was and to support them in working out the best solutions to suit their needs.

Shopmobility is a scheme that supports people to hire mobility aids during their visit to the city. We're based in Chantry Place (previously Chapelfield Shopping Centre) and we are looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the shop.This is a great opportunity to volunteer, build your skills and meet new people! 

Role overview: 

 As is typical of working with the community, no one day is the same.  As such, the role may include, but is not limited to: 

• Opening the site ready for business and helping to prepare the shop 
• Closing the shop at the end of the day 
• Greeting customers and acting as a friendly, supportive and welcoming face 
• Supporting customers to work out what they need, and to hire the equipmen
• Keeping the site looking presentable and welcoming
• Handling cash and taking card payments
• Supporting people to sign up as Shopmobility members and to join Equal Lives as members
• Responding to queries on social media, email and telephone
• Taking future bookings for the equipment 
• Cleaning and maintenance of vehicles when they’re returned 
• Marketing and promoting the shop 
• Some other occasional ad hoc tasks as required such as signposting to our other services or other organisations

We’ll give you: 

• Comprehensive training, including Customer Service, GDPR, Safeguarding and Data Protection 
• The opportunity to choose your days and hours (within our opening times of Tuesday to Friday)
• An accessible city centre location 
• A variety of activities to challenge you and develop your skills 
• The opportunity to take on additional responsibilities as you gain experience 
• Specific tasks focusing on the skills you want to gain 
• A friendly and supportive team of staff and volunteers 
• A mapped out plan of personal development to help you evidence your professional progression

You will be doing really important work with this role, supporting those with mobility issues access the City to lead more independent lives. This opportunity gives you a fantastic chance to learn and develop great transferable skills. 

If you are looking for a volunteer role which gives you the chance to make a real difference to people's lives, this role could be for you. 

Volunteering Arrangements 

 The site will follow the COVID19 safety guidelines and volunteers will be reimbursed reasonable expenses incurred whilst supporting us.

All volunteers are required to undertake our core training programme. This covers basic safeguarding and other key features, such as data protection.

New volunteers will have an opportunity to ‘shadow’ experienced volunteers and members of staff 

Potentially, depending on the candidate, there may be additional opportunities to participate in a variety of accredited training courses. Please ask a manager for further details. 

Volunteers are required to adhere to the organisation’s policies and practice guidelines. 

Reasonable expenses, including travel whilst undertaking this role will be reimbursed. This includes mileage (currently £0.45 p/mile) and parking costs. 

Person specification 

• Honesty
• An ability to be empathic, whilst maintaining professional boundaries 
• Reliability, and only committing to a level of volunteering which is realistic 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• The ability to be non-judgemental 
• Good verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent listening skills 
• Commitment to attend training courses and team meetings 
• Ability to follow organisational policies and procedures including safeguarding, data protection and health and safety
• Dedicated to the empowerment of Disabled people