Elderly 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.

Treasurer (Trustee Board Member)

Location: Hybrid with flexible arrangements
Commitment: 4 Board Meetings and 4 Finance Sub-Committee Meetings per year plus ad-hoc support
Type: Voluntary role. Reasonable expenses incurred in relation to trustee duties can be reimbursed, subject to prior agreement with the Chair or Chief Executive
Closing Date: 5th December

Help shape better lives for older people in the community

This charity supports thousands of older people every year through life-enhancing services including advice, wellbeing activities, befriending, day support and more. The organisation combines strong local knowledge with trusted, community based service delivery. The aim is to ensure older people are valued, supported and able to lead fulfilled lives.

The Role – Treasurer

As Treasurer and Trustee you will:

· Oversee financial strategy and overall financial health, ensuring good governance and sustainability

· Chair the Finance Sub-Committee and lead Board discussions on finance, investments, reserves and risk

· Support and challenge the CEO and Finance Director, offering strategic guidance

· Help ensure robust financial planning aligns with service delivery and long term impact for older people

· Work closely with fellow Trustees and a skilled senior team to make a meaningful difference

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applicants who:

· Are qualified accountants (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or experienced senior finance professionals

· Have strong financial acumen and the ability to clearly communicate financial information to non-finance colleagues

· Have some experience of charity finance, fundraising or pension schemes

· Have an interest in governance, strategy and positive Board teamwork

· Are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and improving the lives of older people

Previous trustee experience is helpful but not required. Full induction and support will be provided.

Time Commitment

· Board meets 4 times per year, usually evenings and hybrid

· Finance Sub-Committee meets 4 times per year and is chaired by the Treasurer

· Additional availability to liaise with the Chair, CEO and Finance Director, usually monthly

· Attendance at the Annual General Meeting and Annual Away Day

Total yearly commitment: approximately 6 to 8 days with flexibility and remote options.

Why Join

· Make a tangible difference to older people in the community

· Gain or deepen non-executive leadership experience

· Work with a friendly, committed Board with a collaborative culture

· Join an organisation that values diversity, inclusion and personal development

How to Apply

Please send a CV and short covering note outlining your interest.

Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently underrepresented in governance.

Volunteer Role: Dementia Support Group and/or Activity Sessions

We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof. About the role Can you commit between 2 and 4 hours a week to help those suffering from Dementia? We are looking for volunteers to spend a short time each week working with our Community Hub Officer (CHO) to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our Dementia Support Group (Forget-Me-Not Café) and help to provide specially designed crafts activity sessions such as leaf printing, making seasonal decorations etc. All our visitors are accompanied by their carers and as a volunteer you will receive specific awareness training to give you the confidence to provide conversation and a smile for those with dementia at the Edward Hain Centre.

What’s involved?

Our dementia activities and group sessions are attended by all kinds of people experiencing dementia. We work with specific care homes whose elderly residents are brought along by their carers and we run a Forget-Me-Not Café, set up for individual carers or relatives to bring along those they care for with dementia.

Specific tasks include:

• Greet attendees warmly as they arrive.

• Support the CHO with setup and organisation.

• Prepare and serve teas and coffees.

• Welcome session attendees, ensuring they feel comfortable.

• Help attendees take part in table activities (if they want to). The role will suit you if you:

• Have a friendly and approachable personality.

• Are reliable and willing to support others.

• Have good communication and enjoy being part of a team.

• Enthusiasm for creating a positive community space.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Make a meaningful impact in your community.

• Meet new people and build connections with others.

• Gain experience in group facilitation and support and working with the elderly.

• Be part of the Edward Hain Centre Team!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNITY HUB OFFICER CLAIRE JEFFERIES: 

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.

Board positions at Claremont Project (Islington)

Roles available: 1) Chair of the Board; 2) Trustee positions

Are you passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes, especially for older people? Do you value the “magic dust” of real human relationship? 

Claremont Project is a mental health, arts and wellbeing charity based in Angel, Islington. We are seeking Trustees and also a Chair of the Board, to strengthen our charity as we step into our next chapter.

About us 

Claremont has been around since 1907 and serves mostly older people through a powerful blend of social prescribing, low-cost psychotherapy and a programme of arts and wellbeing activities. 

Claremont is a place of innovation and creativity, underpinned by a Relational Approach which emphasises real listening, self-awareness and an awareness of how we are being in relation to other people. We were the UK’s first Wellbeing Centre long before the term was ubiquitous; and in 1920s and 30s we ran programmes that became models for the Welfare State. At our beautiful and well-loved building at 24-27 White Lion Street, we nurture a vibrant, inclusive community, underpinned by our conviction that everybody matters.

About the roles

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for Claremont and ensures the charity is doing what it was set up to do. As set out by the Charity Commission, Trustees at Claremont are responsible for:

·Advancing the charitable purposes of Claremont and ensuring we carry out its purposes for public benefit.

·Ensuring Claremont complies with its governing document and the law.

·Acting in Claremont’s best interests.

·Managing Claremont’s resources responsibly.

·Acting with reasonable care and skill.

·Ensuring that Claremont is accountable as a charity. 

We are seeking to appoint two or three trustees, and also a Chair of the Board. We are seeking board members are passionate about our mission, vision and values; who have governance experience within charities; and who can think strategically as part of a team.

Between them, our Board of Trustees has knowledge, expertise and skills that cover a range of areas. Alongside a broad competence in charity governance, it would be desirable if candidates had skills that could help us fill the following gaps:

·Fundraising

·Psychotherapy (with understanding of an existentialist approach if possible)

·Buildings maintenance and retrofit

·Maximising income from office lettings and halls/room hire

·Public donations and legacies

·Dementia risk reduction and brain health

·Environmental sustainability and climate readiness

Strong candidates will have experience and competence in one or several of these areas, as well as having a certain “Claremontiness” – aspirational and personal qualities which embody a genuine relational approach to life.

Time commitment (Trustee roles):Quarterly Board meetings (held in the evenings), plus emails and optional committee work.

Time commitment (Chair role): In addition to the Trustee duties above, a fortnightly meeting with the CEO during office hours, plus ad hoc phone calls and emails (including during office hours).

Claremont is a community where people from all backgrounds are loved and wanted, and which is diverse in terms of characteristics like race and ethnicity, gender, disability and socioeconomic status. We warmly welcome applications from people coming from all walks of life, particularly those from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented on charity boards.

Please note:

·You must be 18 or over and must not be disqualified from acting or as a Trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a Trustee.

·This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

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.

Background to the role:

Keep Active is a volunteer-delivered project at The Creighton Centre, which aims to provide support to older people (60+) who have had a fall, stroke or other illness.  We work in partnership with the NHS Community Rehabilitation Service across Hammersmith & Fulham. As a Keep Active Volunteer you would visit an older person (the average age is 84) once a week for up to nine weeks to help them with improving mobility indoors with exercises, or outdoors with walks in their community. This project aims to empower people to get back to independence, access community once more and reduce risks of future falls and hospital re-admittance.

Availability/commitment:

· To live in or near Hammersmith and Fulham, or travel regularly through

· To be able to spare 1-2 hours a week, preferably during working hours

Role of the Keep Active Volunteer:

· To attend an initial one-off training session [with Volunteer Coordinator and therapists from NHS rehabilitation teams].

· To visit an older person’s home once a week for up to 9 weeks to supervise and motivate them to continue practicing their exercise and walking goals, as prescribed by NHS rehabilitation teams.

· Support might include:

- A walk around their local community possibly going to the park or visiting shops.

- Encouraging them to complete a prescribed gentle exercise program.

- Keeping an older and sometimes isolated person company.

- Visiting someone in their homes to help them reach their exercise goals.

NB: Please note that this is a volunteer role and you will not be expected to provide any physical support. This is a motivational role only.

We will provide:

· Induction training and NHS Community Rehabilitation led training (weekday training).

· Regular contact and support from the project staff.

· Occasional social events for volunteers

· Occasional training opportunities for volunteers

· A reference after 3-6 months of volunteering with us

· An enhanced DBS check

· Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred during your volunteering

Skills needed:

· Good listening and communication skills and a good level of spoken English.

· Empathy and a kind and patience approach.

· Enthusiasm and commitment.

· A friendly personality.

· The desire to make a positive difference to someone’s health and wellbeing

· Ability to cope with clients who are unwell.

· A positive attitude towards empowering and improving the lives of older people

· An understanding of and commitment to our policies (including: Confidentiality, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities)

Accountable to:

Keep Active Coordinator

We are looking for new volunteers to join the Meet Me team to support Meet Me at the Albany in person and remote activities.

What is Meet Me at the Albany?

In 2013 Entelechy Arts and the Albany, in partnership with Lewisham Council, established Meet Me at the Albany – an arts and social club for over 65s. Meet Me… is led by a vibrant and diverse community of previously isolated older people, who come together weekly to run a cross-art form social and creative programme to make friends, be creative, advocate for themselves, and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Lewisham.

On Tuesdays we get together at the Albany theatre in Deptford, and get involved with everything from singing to painting, from crafting to gardening. During the COVID pandemic we took our groups onto the telephone, and seeing the massive benefits these groups brought we have continued with our Meet Me on the Telephone programme. Find more detailed information further down this page!

Who we are looking for?

Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of our weekly and monthly sessions. These roles are perfect for people who enjoy meeting new people, engaging in conversations, and trying new things. They’re also ideal for those who like to listen and provide support based on individual needs and interests.

Skills and experience:

Personable and Friendly: We need volunteers who are approachable and easy to talk to.

Strong Listening Skills: Essential for connecting with our members and ensuring their safety.

Experience with Older Adults: While prior experience working with older people or supporting their creativity is beneficial, it’s not required—just an interest in doing so.

Adaptable and Flexible: Activities may change, so volunteers should be open to adjusting their approach as needed.

Creative Sharing (Optional): Some volunteers enjoy sharing their creativity with our members, but this is not a requirement.

We’re also looking for volunteers who are interested in helping out with marketing and social media, so if that sounds like your cup of tea, get in touch! It would be great if you also have experience of working with people living with dementia.

What’s next?

Get in touch for an initial chat. We will then invite you to complete a registration form and book you on to our next available training session. Training will cover safeguarding, setting boundaries and explore the programme. It is a chance to work through possible scenarios and ensure you feel confident to join us for one of the in person or over the phone sessions.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

Company Description

Housing has been the core activity of Harrison Housing since 1869 when it was established as an almshouse to help older people in need. Today we are also a registered provider, delivering both sheltered accommodation services and general needs accommodation for older people. We also manage an additional portfolio of properties in the London area for other almshouses. Harrison Housing's head office is based in Holland Park, London, UK.

Role Description

We are looking to recruit two new Trustees to join Harrison Housing's Board of Trustees. These are volunteer roles but reasonable out of pocket expenses, associated with carrying out the role, can be claimed for. Our Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Charity's activities, maintaining compliance with regulations, participating in Board and Committee meetings, and ensuring the wellbeing of our residents remains our highest priority. There are a mixture of in-person and remote meetings and Trustees are expected to prepare for and attend them several times a year.

Essential Skills

• Knowledge of the charity or social housing sector and relevant regulations and governance responsibilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Time commitment to attend Board meetings and relevant training sessions.

We are particularly keen to hear from those who possess one or more of the following:

• Experience of property management, including the provision of resident-focused housing services.
• Experience of managing an efficient repairs and property maintenance service responsible for responsive, cyclical, and planned works.
• Experience of developing and overseeing effective, long-term charity fundraising strategies.
• Experience in marketing, public relations or communications within a housing provider or charitable organisation.

If you are interested in applying for these roles, please review the recruitment pack, which explains the application process. Harrison Housing is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, including those who represent the communities we support.

Applications will close at 9am on Wednesday 26th November.

About the opportunity

We are seeking committed vegetarians or vegans to join our volunteer board of trustees. Vegetarian for Life (VfL) is the only UK charity specifically dedicated to supporting older vegetarians and vegans. We believe that all older people should be able to maintain their chosen diet and lifestyle and enjoy good quality plant-based food wherever they live.

Our trustees work with the CEO to ensure strong governance and help realise the strategic aims of this unique and growing charity. Since its formation in 2007, VfL has earned widespread respect for its advocacy, training, and resources that support dignity and choice in later life.

In line with our new Vision for 2030, we are looking to strengthen our board with a new trustee who brings experience of business development, marketing and income generation gained (most likely) from the Private Sector. We are particularly interested in individuals with proven experience in:

• Growing a business in an ethical and sustainable way
• Generating income from new streams and commercial partnerships
• Developing and marketing new products and services

You’ll work alongside a committed board and leadership team as we seek to build VfL’s long-term sustainability by enhancing our earned income to complement support from our strong reserves.

Experience of charity governance is welcomed but not essential. More important is a strategic mindset, commercial insight, and a strong commitment to VfL’s mission.

The role of trustee is a voluntary one, with expenses paid when incurred in connection with the role. The board meets quarterly, mainly via video conferencing, with at least one in-person meeting annually in Manchester. Meetings are held on Saturdays, with additional (short) discussions scheduled by arrangement when needed.

For further information and an informal chat please contact Amanda Woodvine, CEO.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunitie

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on the Cats Protection website.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website