897 On-site volunteer roles

The role in a nutshell:

You will work closely with an older person to help them set personal goals, build their confidence, and take practical steps to reconnect with their local community.

What will you be doing?

You will meet the older person you are matched with for 1 to 2+ hours a week over a period of up to 6 months to support them in working towards their goals. Depending on their individual action plan, you may:

• Visit them at home: Provide a regular, supportive social connection while helping them identify steps to overcome isolation.
• Act as a Community Connector: Accompany them on short walks, meet in a local café, or help them access local social groups, libraries, or physical activities.
• Support Goal Setting: Gently encourage them to build positive, sustainable connections and regain independence after a life challenge (such as a bereavement, illness, or hospital stay).
• Manage Boundaries and Endings: Work with the client to understand the time-limited nature of the support and help them prepare for the end of the 6-month intervention.
• Keep Accurate Records: Keep track of the client's progress, take brief notes after each session, and share weekly updates with your Programme Coordinator.

How would you be supported in this role?

We value our volunteers immensely and want to ensure you feel confident and safe in your role. You can expect:

• Comprehensive Training: A full induction and access to mandatory eLearning modules.
• Ongoing Supervision: Regular check-ins with your dedicated Programme Coordinator, plus access to volunteer meet-ups to share ideas and overcome barriers together.
• Clear Boundaries: A clearly defined voluntary role within the organisation with robust out-of-hours and emergency support procedures.
• Reimbursement: Agreed out-of-pocket expenses (such as local travel) will be fully reimbursed.
• References: We are happy to provide references for you after 6 months of active volunteering.

The role in a nutshell:

Short Term befriending role

What will you be doing?

• Visit an older person in their own home on a regular basis for up to 6 months.

• Provide Telephone support for up to 6 months. 

• Provide a client centred approach.

• Provide company to alleviate isolation.

• Assist clients to learn about other activities that can alleviate isolation.

• Alert Age UK North Cumbria Line Managers of any issues and problems the Client may need assistance with.

• Participating in catch-ups and support sessions as required. 

• Carrying out tasks according to our Policies and Procedures (particularly Confidentiality, Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding)

• Working as part of a team and with other Age UK North Cumbria staff and volunteers

How would you be supported in this role?

Training will be provided for this role as necessary and may include:

• Induction  

• Health and Safety Awareness 

• Safeguarding vulnerable adults and Dementia awareness e-learning 

• Basic First Aid

• Lone working policy

The volunteering activity

We are looking for volunteers to help raise awareness of the Mental Health SPA across the communities we serve.

Volunteers will support the project by distributing leaflets and posters to community venues including GP surgeries, cafés, supermarkets, libraries, community centres, faith centres and other places where local people regularly meet. By increasing awareness of the service, volunteers will help ensure that people know where to turn if they, or someone they know, are experiencing a mental health crisis or need support.

Considerations:

This role involves travelling within the local community to distribute promotional materials.
Some lone working may be involved; therefore we recommend volunteers work in pairs where possible.
Volunteers should seek permission before displaying or leaving promotional materials at any venue 

The volunteering activity

We are looking for volunteers to help raise awareness of the Mental Health SPA across the communities we serve.

Volunteers will support the project by distributing leaflets and posters to community venues including GP surgeries, cafés, supermarkets, libraries, community centres, faith centres and other places where local people regularly meet. By increasing awareness of the service, volunteers will help ensure that people know where to turn if they, or someone they know, are experiencing a mental health crisis or need support.

Considerations:

This role involves travelling within the local community to distribute promotional materials.
Some lone working may be involved; therefore we recommend volunteers work in pairs where possible.
Volunteers should seek permission before displaying or leaving promotional materials at any venue 

The role in a nutshell:

We are a local, independent charity working for a fairer later life in Oxfordshire. We challenge ageism, tackle inequality, ensure older people and unpaid carers are seen, heard, included & valued.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you'll build a trusting relationship with an individual aged 50+ through regular face-to-face visits, committing 2–3 hours per week over 24 weeks. You'll listen without judgement, offering reassurance and support while helping them identify and work towards personal goals. You’ll support someone to:

• Set a goal and identify something they’d like to achieve.

• Make a plan and break their goal into smaller, realistic steps.

• Try new activities, attend local groups or access services.

• Build confidence and promote independence.

How would you be supported in this role?

Regardless of the role you choose, you would be supported by a Volunteer Coordinator whom will provide you with ongoing guidance and support throughout your service.

We provide an induction and relevant training for your service to enable you to gain confidence in delivering your role within the community. 

The role in a nutshell:

You will meet an older person you’ve been matched with once a week up to a maximum period of 6 months to support them in working towards their goals.

What will you be doing?

 Depending on their needs, you may:

• Visit them at home

• Go for a walk

• Meet in a local community space, such as a library or a café

• Help them access local groups or services

• Encourage them to build positive and sustainable connections

You will keep track of their progress and share updates with your Volunteer Lead.

How would you be supported in this role?

As a Friendship Companion, you will:

• Attend an induction session

• Complete essential online training, including goal setting and safeguarding

• Receive support from a dedicated Volunteer Lead

• Have agreed out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed. 

The role in a nutshell:

Age NI is looking for Enabling Connections Volunteers across the Northern Trust area and Belfast Trust area to provide companionship, encouragement and practical support to older people.

What will you be doing?

As an Enabling Connections Volunteer, you will:

•Be matched with an older person in your local area
•Meet weekly to provide companionship and a listening ear
•Encourage and support them to achieve personal goals
•Help them build confidence and independence
•Explore local activities, groups and opportunities together
•Signpost to local services and support where appropriate
•Keep in touch with the Enabling Connections Coordinator.

Flexible Volunteering
The role is designed to fit around your availability, making it ideal for people with work, family or other commitments.

Where Will I Volunteer?

Support may take place:
•In the older person's home
•In local community settings
•While attending activities or groups together.

All support will be guided by the older person's goals and interests.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you volunteer with Age NI, you'll receive:

•Full induction and ongoing training
•Ongoing support from the Enabling Connections Coordinator
•Regular volunteer meetings and supervision
•Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

The role in a nutshell:

At Age UK Bolton, we know that a simple conversation can change everything. This is more than companionship, it’s about walking alongside someone as they reconnect with their community and themselves.

What will you be doing?

You’ll support both the person and their goals, including:

Building a meaningful connection
•Spend time getting to know the person and what matters to them
•Offer friendly conversation, encouragement and companionship
•Create a space where they feel comfortable, heard and respected

Supporting positive steps forward
•Help them identify and work towards personal goals
•Encourage confidence in trying new things or reconnecting with others
•Support access to local groups, services or community activities 

Flexible, person-centred support
•Meet in ways that suit the individual — at home, in the community, or out for a walk
•Go at their pace, adapting support to their needs and preferences 

Working as part of a team
•Share updates with your coordinator so support stays consistent
•Reflect on progress and celebrate achievements, however small

How would you be supported in this role?

You won’t be doing this alone

We’ll support you every step of the way, including:
•A full induction and training (including safeguarding and goal setting)
•Ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator
•Opportunities for supervision and guidance
•Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses 

The role in a nutshell:

As a Befriending Volunteer on the Enabling Connections project, you will help Age UK reduce loneliness and isolation by building a short-term but meaningful relationship with an older person.

What will you be doing?

Depending on the needs of the older person you're matched with, you may:

• Visit them at home

• Meet in a local community space, such as a library or cafe

• Help them access local groups and services

• Encourage them to build positive and sustainable connections

How would you be supported in this role?

In addition to your induction, you will be supported by our Enabling Connections project coordinator.

The role in a nutshell:

As a Befriending Volunteer on the Enabling Connections project, you will help Age UK reduce loneliness and isolation by building a short-term but meaningful relationship with an older person.

What will you be doing?

Depending on the needs of the older person you're matched with, you may:

• Visit them at home

• Meet in a local community space, such as a library or cafe

• Help them access local groups and services

• Encourage them to build positive and sustainable connections

How would you be supported in this role?

In addition to your induction, you will be supported by our Enabling Connections project coordinator.

The role in a nutshell:

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen know that a simple conversation can change everything. This is more than companionship, it’s walking alongside someone as they reconnect with their community & themselves.

What will you be doing?

You’ll support both the person and their goals, including:

Building a meaningful connection
•Spend time getting to know the person and what matters to them
•Offer friendly conversation, encouragement and companionship
•Create a space where they feel comfortable, heard and respected

Supporting positive steps forward
•Help them identify and work towards personal goals
•Encourage confidence in trying new things or reconnecting with others
•Support access to local groups, services or community activities 

Flexible, person-centred support
•Meet in ways that suit the individual — at home, in the community, or out for a walk
•Go at their pace, adapting support to their needs and preferences 

Working as part of a team
•Share updates with your coordinator so support stays consistent
•Reflect on progress and celebrate achievements, however small

How would you be supported in this role?

You won’t be doing this alone

We’ll support you every step of the way, including:
•A full induction and training (including safeguarding and goal setting)
•Ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator
•Opportunities for supervision and guidance
•Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses 

The role in a nutshell:

As a Community Connector Volunteer, you will help Age UK Barnet reduce loneliness and isolation by building a short-term but meaningful relationship with an older person.

What will you be doing?

You will meet an older person you’ve been matched with once a week over a six-month period to support them in working towards their goals. Depending on their needs, you may:
•Visit them at home
•Go for a walk
•Meet in a local community space, such as a library or a café
•Help them access local groups or services
•Encourage them to build positive and sustainable connections
•To support with digital inclusion.
• Assist with planning and arranging journeys using public transport, helping to overcome barriers to travel and independence 
•Accompany clients to social, recreational, or community-based activities

You will keep track of their progress and share updates with the Enabling Connections coordinator.

As a Community Connector Volunteer, we ask you to:

•Attend an induction session
•Complete essential training, including goal‑setting and safeguarding
•Have access to one‑to‑one check in calls. 

Receive support from a dedicated project coordinator

You may need to travel locally to meet the older person or accompany them to services, and any travelling expenses can be reimbursed.

You will also be asked to take brief notes after each session and share them with your project coordinator.

How would you be supported in this role?

In addition to providing you any relevant training for the role, we will also provide you with check-ins, a key contact or other functions to ensure you are best supported as a volunteer.

Abbey Community Centre is looking for a friendly and enthusiastic volunteer to support our Recycle Art classes for people aged 60+.

When?

Every Friday
Class time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Volunteer time: Ideally 2:00pm – 4:00pm, to help with setting up before the class and clearing away afterwards.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, creative, organised, reliable and patient, and who enjoys helping others in a welcoming community setting.

What you’ll be helping with:

• Supporting the Arts & Crafts tutor to set up the classroom before the session
• Preparing and organising arts, crafts and recycled materials
• Helping participants with their craft activities when needed
• Encouraging participants and helping create an enjoyable, supportive atmosphere
• Clearing away equipment and materials after the class
• Keeping the classroom and storage areas clean, tidy and organised

This is a great opportunity to meet new people, share your creativity and make a positive difference in the local community.

Interested in volunteering?
Please complete the google form at the bottom of the Volunteering page on the Abbey Community Centre website.

The role in a nutshell:

Enabling Connections Befrienders offer companionship for isolated older adults in Waltham Forest, supporting them to increase their social connections and achieve their goals in life.

What will you be doing?

•To visit an isolated older person in their home, supporting them to achieve a goal or goals which they have set for themselves. 
•To support the older person to undertake new activities, go to new places and gradually increase their social connections. 
•To help the older person maintain and/or regain their self confidence, allowing and encouraging them to do as much as possible themselves.
•Offer social support, for example accompanying the older person to social events initially, and then encouraging the older person to attend on their own.
•Help the older person think about their goal, and help them overcome any barriers, referring back to the Befriending Co-ordinator where necessary.
•Keep the Age UK Waltham Forest Befriending Team informed of the older person’s general well being, any significant difficulties, incidents or concerns and the progress they are making towards achieving their goal(s).
•Attend Induction and training 

How would you be supported in this role?

Induction - Attend a one-off induction training course of 2.5 hours.

Training – ongoing training.

Ongoing Support & Supervision - With a dedicated Befriending Team.