Volunteer roles for the Elderly sector

Role Title: Volunteer Befriender
Location: Various locations in Ealing
Time Commitment: 1–4 hours per week (flexible)
Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator/Service Lead
Duration: Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
Expenses: Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

Purpose of the Role:
To reduce social isolation and improve emotional wellbeing by offering regular companionship and support to individuals in the community. The role also provides an opportunity for unpaid carers to have a short break or period of respite while their loved one is engaged and supported.

Key Responsibilities:
• Offer friendly conversation and a listening ear through regular visits or phone calls
• Build and maintain a respectful, trusting relationship
• Encourage social confidence and community engagement
• Report any concerns or relevant information to the project lead
• Attend initial training and ongoing support sessions
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding procedures

Ideal Qualities and Skills:
• A good listener with strong communication skills
• Kind, patient, and empathetic
• Dependable and consistent
• Respectful of boundaries and confidentiality
• Open-minded and inclusive

What You’ll Gain:
• A rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference
• Experience in a supportive and meaningful volunteer role
• Ongoing training and support
• Development of interpersonal skills
• Being part of a valued community team

Additional Information:
This role requires two references and a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Full training is provided.

Ealing Carers Partnership offers support services to unpaid family carers aged 18+, living or caring for someone living in the London Borough of Ealing. We work together - and with others - to provide support services and breaks for carers. Our current services include: respite (replacement) care in the home; care worker support to access community groups or services; Carer Cafes in four locations across Ealing; a developing range of wellbeing activities, and; events and social opportunities. We are seeking volunteers to work alongside the team to support our work.

Main purpose of the role

The Carers Community Champions role is to support us in promoting Ealing Carers Partnership’s services by raising awareness of what we offer. We might ask for you to put up leaflets in your neighbourhood and, from time to time, to staff a stall in a community setting. 

Benefits of becoming a Carers Champion:

Becoming a Carer Champion will help you to:

• Experience volunteering in a charity 

• Develop new skills and experience, possibly helping you to find work

• Grow your confidence

• Take part in free training sessions to build your knowledge 

• Meet new people 

• Make a vital difference to the work of Ealing Carers Partnership.

It will give you the satisfaction of:

• Supporting carers and making a big difference in their lives

• Feeling that you have achieved something positive every time you volunteer

• Empowering communities by raising awareness of sources of support

• Being part of an organisation, which has strong values and provides help and support to those most marginalised in society 

• Connecting with other volunteers and local organisations.

General responsibilities 

In order to promote Ealing Carers Partnership’s services and events, we expect that you would be asked to:

• Hand out leaflets or post fliers in supermarkets, doctors’ surgeries, libraries, leisure centres and other community venues with high footfall in your immediate neighbourhood

• Help with setting up of events and staffing stalls 

• Help to pack up after the events 

• Supporting staff at the Carers Cafés and making light refreshments

• Sharing your caring experiences with others if you are a former carer, or just listening to those that need to talk

• Accompanying carers on trips out

• Working with the team to find new ways of publicising services and providing insights about your neighbourhood. 

Skills, experience and personal attributes

Whilst we are happy to provide training as needed, we hope that you will be able to demonstrate:

• A positive attitude towards vulnerable clients who may have a variety of complex needs and those who are caring for them 

• The desire to gain local knowledge about services or a willingness to find out what is available to support local carers 

• A minimum availability of 2/3 hours per week

• Being comfortable in terms of talking to people in groups 

• A knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, although full training will be given. 

Training and support

We will try to offer a good range of training and support to all volunteers but, as a minimum, you can expect to:

• Attend starter training sessions, an induction to the programme and staff

• Undertake a DBS check

• Attend Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Customer Care training

• Attend appropriate team meetings/ briefings so you are up to date on what we are delivering 

• Attend 6-8 weekly checks-ins for support for you and to see how you are doing within your role. 

Expenses

Out of pocket and travel expenses will be reimbursed as agreed upon commencement.

For this role volunteers MUST be aged 18 or over.

We would love for you to join our Information & Advice Service as a Community Outreach Volunteer.

This is a rewarding opportunity to meet new people, support your local community, and help individuals access the information and services they need. As part of our friendly team, you will attend local groups and community activities, offering information, guidance, and signposting to relevant services, support organisations, and community groups.

You may also help people complete a range of forms, including Attendance Allowance applications and other benefit-related paperwork, giving them the confidence and support they need to access available help.

In this role, you could be:

• Providing a warm, friendly, and welcoming experience for members of your local community.

• Signposting people to relevant local services, activities, and sources of support.

• Assisting individuals with completing forms, including Attendance Allowance and other benefit applications.

• Offering straightforward information and guidance where appropriate.

We're looking for people who enjoy working as part of a team, meeting new people, and making a positive difference in their community.

You'll be a good listener with strong communication skills, a caring and empathetic approach, and a willingness to help others. Basic IT skills and record-keeping experience are helpful, and experience using the internet and Microsoft 365 would be an advantage. Don't worry if you're still learning though, as training and support will be provided.

We reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while volunteering.

Getting started is easy. If you're aged 18 or over, simply click "Apply" and complete the application form. We'd love to hear from you and welcome you to our team.

The Dementia Services supports people to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally.

What does the role involve? 

·Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.

·Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.

·Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.

• Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
• Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client. 

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

 Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.

Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.

Bringing your artform into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.

We are looking for people who have:

• An interest in sharing or performing their creative, artistic skill whether you are a hobbyist or a professional: 
• Singing

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

These are just a handful of examples, but we will consider applications from a variety of artists/musicians/ performers and are open to suggestions.

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

• Enjoy conversation.
• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history
• Consistency and reliability 
• An ability to empathise and understand the needs and experiences of an individual with dementia and memory loss.
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Patience and sensitivity
• Confidence to deal with emergencies
• Requirement to undertake induction training and follow guidelines and policies of Age UK Camden

Volunteering Hours 

Performances/activities:Usually approx. 20 -30 minutes but 1-1.5hrs are assigned to the visit

 Minimum of 4 - 6 visits a year (you can opt to do more). 

Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.

Please note, early morning and late evenings are generally not suitable times for visits. 

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

• Online Dementia Awareness course 
• Age UK Camden organisational induction 
• Induction to Dementia Befriending and Dementia Wellbeing Services and relationships, how to deliver a performer visit
• Safeguarding Adults online course
• Data Awareness online course

We will give you:

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the coordinator of the service.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 
• Access to Volunteer Forum events

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

• Meet with Dementia Services staff member
• Provide details of two Referees
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check (we arrange this with you)
• Induction and training (as laid out above)

We understand that completing the various steps takes time, and we support and keep in touch with you through the process. 

As this role brings our volunteers into regular contact with vulnerable older people, we make sure that all volunteers understand their role and have completed our recruitment procedures to both our and their satisfaction. 

Asist is an acronym for Advocacy Services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on Trent. Asist provides specialist independent advocacy support focused on one to-one, issue-based advocacy for adults, children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or mental health issues.

We support adults, children and young people to make small and big decisions in their own lives and to speak to services who make decisions because of a person’s health or disability. Advocacy is about enabling all people to have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives. Asist advocates will not be judgemental and will not guide or influence the people they work with – whatever their age. Advocacy is about including people in their own story.

We are excited to be recruiting for new members to join our Board this year. Whether you are an experienced board memember or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we want to hear from you!

What we are looking for:

• Leadership experience

• Strategic thinking

• HR experience

• Business background

• Marketing skills

• Commitment to our mission

• Collaborative spirit

Asist’s Board meets once every two calendar months (six per year). Board members are required to attend a minimum of four meetings to remain active. Board meetings are agreed in advance, collectively, by the chair and trustees.

Confident and Capable volunteers are required to help us with our charity admin.

Are you retired or looking to get back into work and are confident on the phone and using IT? 

If so you may be the person we are looking for !

We need people to help us:

• Answer calls and prpvode advice and information
• Support the running of our reception desk 
• Help with data inputting and maintenance 
• Assist with general office admin tasks 

If you are passionate abourt supporing vulnerable people in the community and have a few spare hours each week then please get in touch !

We offer:

• Full induction
• Flexible hours
• Onsite parking
• Access to free training and develeopment 
• References after three months 
• Expenses covered
• Volunteer social events 
• Volunteer Community awards 

Volunteer role: Fundraising Lead Volunteer

Commitment level: Flexible 2-4 hours a week

Location: Office based Stamford & attending events

Purpose of the Voluntary role:

Evergreen purpose is to promote healthy ageing and positive attitudes towards older people; seeking relevant ways to honour old age and if needed, to serve through Advocacy, Friendship and practical support and our vision is for Stamford, the Deepings, Bourne and the surrounding villages to be seen as a great place to grow old. Our work is supported and funded by our ‘Friends of Evergreen’ – local individuals and businesses whose support enables us to deliver our volunteer led services which so many rely on locally. The Friends of Evergreen Lead Volunteer is a key role that supports, promotes and grows our Friends of Evergreen.

The Fundraiser is a part-time volunteer role, based in Stamford, responsible for generating income to support Evergreen Care Trust’s services for older adults. Day-to-day tasks include cultivating relationships with donors and supporters, and identifying new fundraising opportunities with local businesses and community groups. The role involves preparing grant applications and funding proposals, maintaining accurate donor records, and monitoring income against targets. The individual will also analyse fundraising performance, report on outcomes, and contribute ideas to improve future initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Ability to effectively convey the charity's mission and engage with donors, both verbally and in writing.

Creating and maintaining relationships with supporters, sponsors, and partners.

Ability to connect with donors and understand their motivations for giving.

Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and departments within the charity.

Understanding of the relevant aspects of the Fundraising Code and data protection regulations

Key relationships:

 Working effectively with other volunteers, trustees, other staff including the Marketing & Events Lead and Volunteer Services Manager and Friends of Evergreen admin support.

Developing strong relationships with current and new Friends of Evergreen

Skills, Qualifications and experience required:

Excellent Communication skills

Able to build relationships with current and new Friends of Evergreen

Able to represent Evergreen at events and meeting new supporters

Charity fundraising experience would be a bonus as would experience in a relevant role such as business development, sales, or events.

Familiarity with fundraising methods would also be a bonus, such as grant writing, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.

Training and support required:

Evergreen Induction Training (half day Saturday)
Mandatory Online Safeguarding training
Introduction training sessions to Friends of Evergreen role
Invitation to attend relevant training courses as and when they are arranged
On going support from Volunteer Services Manager

Availability of parking at work location:

There is parking at Evergreen’s office

A Basic DBS is required for this role.
 

We are a Manchester based dementia support charity, looking to recruit a team of Volunteer Minibus Escorts, to accompany our drivers onboard our two Together Dementia Support minibuses - helping to pick-up and drop-off our service users before and after groups.

Drivers and Escorts are a key part of our service user experience – you’ll be their first and last contact with Together Dementia Support each week, so we rely on our escorst  provide a to be positive, supportive and enjoyable experience.

Volunteer Escorts will board the minibus with our drivers in the morning (at the Kath Locke Centre, M15 5DD) ready to pick service users up and transport them to the group, which will run for 2 hours. Depending on your availability, once the group has ended there is an option to finish your volunteering shift, or support members on the minibus for the return journey – finishing back at the Kath Locke Centre. We may also ask you to begin your volunteering shift at the group, and then support on the return journey.

You’ll be responsible for our service users boarding and disembark the minibus safely, and engaging with them throughout the journey. You also be expected to stay in good contact with our service users and carers around pick-up times, delays or issues. You’ll also stay in good contact with our office and the group Dementia Support Co-ordinator around any issues or problems.

All volunteers are also expected to adhere to the following Together Dementia Support policies – Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality Diversity & Inclusion, and any other policies deemed relevant.

Minibus Escorts will recieve comprehensive Induction Training, and Moving & Handling Training. You will also have to understake a DBS Check, which we cover the cost for.

Perks & benefits:

• Travel expeneses covered
• On site, free parking available
• All training provided - no experience necessary
• Great experience of working within a health and social care environment
• Opportunity to learn more about dementia, and how it affects those living with the condition
• Opportunity to join a diverse volunteering community, and support local people living with dementia to live better

Benefits:

• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• On-site parking

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

Volunteering Opportunity

Ucan Enfield Ambassador

What You’ll Do

As a UCAN Enfield Ambassador, you’ll play a key role in helping people find out about and engage with the UCAN project, which promotes healthy lifestyle changes through free exercise, nutrition and wellbeing sessions. You’ll help support sessions on the day and raise awareness in the community.

You will:

• Attend UCAN exercise or nutrition sessions to take the register and gather feedback from attendees
• Represent UCAN at community events or groups by helping to set up an information stall
• Talk to members of the public about UCAN and help them sign up
• Input register or sign-up data into the CRM system (training provided)

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

• Friendly, confident communication with the public
• Ability to use simple digital forms
• Reliable, organised and a good team player
• Willingness to learn and follow data protection guidance

Time Commitment

Flexible – ideally 2–4 hours per week
May include weekdays or occasional weekends depending on events and session schedules

Location: Various community venues across Enfield
Reports to: UCAN Enfield Project Lead or Practitioner

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!

Volunteering Opportunity

Telephone Survey Assistant
What You’ll Do

Help us understand what older people need by calling clients to complete short surveys. You’ll collect feedback that helps shape our services and programmes.

You will:

• Make phone calls using a provided script
• Record answers clearly and accurately
• Explain why the survey matters and how responses will be used
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection at all times
• Report any issues to staff
• Attend occasional training sessions

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

• Clear, confident telephone manner
• Good listening and data recording skills
• Patience and empathy with older adults
• Able to follow scripts and stay on task
• Comfortable using a computer
• Reliable and respectful of confidentiality

Time Commitment

2–4 hours between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
(Flexible)

Location: Age UK Enfield offices or remote
Reports to: Survey Coordinator

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!

Volunteering Opportunity 

Kitchen Assistant – Day Care Centre 

What You’ll Do

Work alongside the chef to help prepare and serve food for older people attending the centre. You’ll assist with food prep, keeping the kitchen clean, and ensuring mealtimes run smoothly.

You will:

· Prepare ingredients (e.g. peel and chop vegetables)

· Help make tea and coffee trays

· Wash dishes and maintain hygiene standards

· Keep kitchen surfaces and equipment clean

· Organise supplies and groceries

· Interact respectfully with clients when appropriate

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Willingness to learn food prep tasks

· Understanding of food hygiene (training provided)

· Organised and detail-oriented

· Good communication and teamwork

· Reliable and committed

· Suitable for those with or without catering experience

Time Commitment

2–4 hours between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
(Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre 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!

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!

 Volunteering Opportunity 

Gardening Volunteer – Day Care Centre

What You’ll Do

Support the development and maintenance of our allotment space at the Mabel Churn Day Care Centre. You’ll help create a calm, welcoming outdoor environment where older people can enjoy nature, take part in light gardening activities, and connect with others.

You will:

· Help maintain the allotment space (e.g. watering, weeding, planting, harvesting)

· Support the set-up and upkeep of planting areas, raised beds, or pots

· Encourage and support clients to get involved in simple gardening tasks

· Help keep the outdoor space safe, tidy, and accessible

· Work with staff to plan seasonal planting or small garden projects

· Report any concerns or maintenance needs to staff

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Interest in gardening or outdoor activities (no expert knowledge needed)

· Friendly and patient approach when engaging with older people

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Basic understanding of health and safety in an outdoor setting

· Creativity and initiative in developing the space

· Reliable and committed

Time Commitment

Flexible – ideally 2-4 hours per week

Weekdays 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre 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!