Elderly Volunteer Roles

We are looking for someone to help us set up, welcome clients, chat and perhaps some tidying away/washing up - free tea/coffee and biscuits available and travel expenses will be paid.

Starting from Thursday 25 January 2025!

Every Thursday at 10.00am - 12.00pm at EX5 Alive Cranbrook Community Hub, Cranbrook Campus

For more information please telephone or email us.

Trustee Board

Location: UK based
Salary: Unpaid, with specified expenses covered
Closing Date: Sunday 26 January 2025
Reference: X202-24

Would you like to use your skills and experience to help us end poverty in later life?

Trustees 

Independent Age is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. If you’re passionate about our cause and want to help shape the future of our Charity, we’d love to hear from you.

Across the UK, more than 3 million older people are living with limited financial means and experiencing inequalities. At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. To improve the lives of older people in poverty we campaign for policy change, provide information, advice and support, and make grants to grass roots charities across the UK; this increases older people’s financial well-being, and enables greater choice and independence.

We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to our Board. Previous trustee experience is not necessary (apart from for one role which will chair our Board’s Governance Committee). We can provide mentoring and support.  We are interested in hearing from people who are concerned about the growing impact of poverty in later life, and who can bring us any of the following skills;

• fundraising 
• working with people with lived experience of a charity’s cause
• charity governance (for the role which will chair our Governance Committee) 
• customer service / journey expertise (we operate an outsourced helpline and provide information and advice)
• responsible investment/ impact investing

We estimate the time commitment to be around one day a month on average, focused around the quarterly cycle of board and committee meetings.  Trustee roles are not paid; we can pay travel and accommodation costs and the costs of care provision for children and dependents whilst attending meetings as necessary.  We also pay any reasonable cost associated with attending an interview.

We know that certain groups of people are at greater risk of financial hardship in later life, including people from racially minoritised groups, private renters, carers, and people who are disabled or have long-term conditions, and we particularly welcome applications from people from these groups.  As a national charity, we’d also like to encourage applications from candidates outside the south east of England and from Scotland.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found in the 'role profile' application pack below. If you require this information in a different format, please contact us.

Application Process:

Thank you for expressing an interest in this opportunity. To apply for this role, please send the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) that outlines what attracted you to Independent Age’s mission (detailed here) and what skills and experience you would bring.

Closing date: 26 January 2025

Interview Process

Stage 1

Interviews with a panel of Trustees: Wednesday 25 March and to be held at our office, 18 Avonmore Road. Candidates will have the opportunity to meet the CEO before the interview.

If you would like to speak to us about this role, or to speak to one of our current Trustees to understand more about their experience of being a Trustee at Independent Age, please contact Clare Wadd.

If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Would you like to use your skills and experience to help us end poverty in later life?

Independent Age is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. If you’re passionate about our cause and want to help shape the future of our Charity, we’d love to hear from you.

Across the UK, more than 3 million older people are living with limited financial means and experiencing inequalities. At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. To improve the lives of older people in poverty we campaign for policy change, provide information, advice and support, and make grants to grass roots charities across the UK; this increases older people’s financial well-being, and enables greater choice and independence.

We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to our Board. Previous trustee experience is not necessary (apart from for one role which will chair our Board’s Governance Committee). We can provide mentoring and support.  We are interested in hearing from people who are concerned about the growing impact of poverty in later life, and who can bring us any of the following skills;

• fundraising 
• working with people with lived experience of a charity’s cause
• charity governance (for the role which will chair our Governance Committee) 
• customer service / journey expertise (we operate an outsourced helpline and provide information and advice)
• responsible investment/ impact investing

We estimate the time commitment to be around one day a month on average, focused around the quarterly cycle of board and committee meetings.  Trustee roles are not paid; we can pay travel and accommodation costs and the costs of care provision for children and dependents whilst attending meetings as necessary.  We also pay any reasonable cost associated with attending an interview.

We know that certain groups of people are at greater risk of financial hardship in later life, including people from racially minoritised groups, private renters, carers, and people who are disabled or have long-term conditions, and we particularly welcome applications from people from these groups.  As a national charity, we’d also like to encourage applications from candidates outside the south east of England and from Scotland.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website or view the Application Pack below. If you require this information in a different format, please contact us via the details on our website.

Application Process:

To apply for this role, please send the following to the email address in the pack below:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) that outlines what attracted you to Independent Age’s mission (detailed here) and what skills and experience you would bring.

Closing date: 26 January 2025

Interview Process

Stage 1: interviews with a panel of Trustees: Wednesday 25 March and to be held at our office, 18 Avonmore Road. Candidates will have the opportunity to meet the CEO before the interview.

If you would like to speak to us about this role, or to speak to one of our current Trustees to understand more about their experience of being a Trustee at Independent Age, please contact Clare Wadd via the contact details on our website.

If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

A well established care home in Dagenham East London caring for the elderly is looking for Trustees to assist with the governance and strategy of the charity.

We provide high quality, stimulating and holistic residential care for elderly people living with dementia. The support and care we provide to our residents enables their families to go about their everyday lives knowing that their loved ones are safe and well cared for in a homely environment.

What will you be doing?

The care home is very well respected in the community and mostly looks after residents from the local area.

The care home was established 32 years ago and is looking for trustees with various skills, such as marketing, finance, healthcare and strategy to join the existing trustee. A care background would be beneficial but is not essential.

The care home has a good reputation in the area and is ranked as 'good' by the Care Quality Commission.

The management in the home have been in position for many years and are a great source of stability for the home.

Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month

What are we looking for?

· Marketing and income generation

· Strategy

· Finance 

· Healthcare

What difference will you make?

As a trustee and part of the board you will play a vital role not only ensuring current good governance but also with the discussion and development of a strategy for the business, to help the charity and care home evolve to reflect the changes over the last 32 years.

How to apply

To apply, please click on the link provided and follow the instructions provided.

Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is deeply interconnected with the local community on many levels in the spirit and practice of our vision and values. Residents, employees, trustees, volunteers and service professionals are all drawn from the local area.

Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is a not-for-profit organisation. We provide supported housing for people who are still able to care for themselves and wish to remain independent. Our residents generally don’t want the responsibilities of maintaining a house or flat, or a garden, but they’re not ready to go into a care home. We currently have five supported houses with between 7-11 residents in each at any one time and a 60-unit independent living facility.

We have recently developed Nonsuch Abbeyfield, a supportive, vibrant retirement hub in Surrey, where active, independent living is at its heart. Thirty-six of the flats are leaseholds while the remaining twenty-four are rented at an affordable rate, when the local council has referred residents.

Background to the role

We are keen to appoint a new Trustee to bring skills, knowledge and experience to the Board of a charity that is passionate about providing older people with supported independent living for companionship and social interaction and diminishing the effects of loneliness and isolation. 

Our colleague, Anne Carrington, is stepping down having done a sterling job on our Board since we merged with Abbeyfield Purley, where she had been their Deputy Chair and volunteers’ team leader. We are seeking someone to join the Board to continue her focus on the welfare of our residents, working closely with our Community and House Managers and sharing the oversight of the work done by our Director of Business and Operations and his team, namely: resident communications; new residents pipeline; admissions; medical policy; relationships with care partners; staff recruitment and training; volunteer recruitment, training and management. 

This is an important role as it directly links residents, House Managers, our Community Manager, and the Board. It demonstrates our commitment to the care of our residents and to the people who volunteer at our Houses and at Nonsuch Abbeyfield. It ensures good communication allowing information and messages to be passed directly from our Operational Services Committee to residents and to the House Managers. It encourages activities and outings to be arranged, is a connection to all staff who visit the houses, and overall provides a social link for all concerned.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance to the Chair and trustees regarding all matters relating to resident care and welfare
• Provide thought leadership on, and analysis of, opportunities for increased resident welfare and the overall provision of support
• Co-chair the Residents and Volunteers Group with fellow Trustee, Andrew Hoy
• Liaise with the Services Committee to monitor all policy implementation and delivery standards
• Make regular informal visits to our five houses to get to know residents and to support the House Managers
• Attend coffee mornings and any social activities in the houses to see residents and meet volunteers
• Attend occasional lunches in the houses

Person Specification

• Good experience of working with older people or
• Personal and practical experience of being a carer for an older person
• A good listener with empathy for the challenges experienced by older people
• Compassionate and caring with the ability and interest in building relationships and engaging with the older people as well as the range of staff members involved in providing care to the residents

Diversity and inclusion

Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people we aim to support. We work within an increasingly diverse area, and it is important that the Board is representative of the communities that we serve. We would particularly welcome applications from women and people from an ethnic minority background who are currently under-represented on the Board and warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Abbeyfield Southern Oaks in the recruitment of these roles. 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the particular role and how you meet the selection criteria. If you would like a call to discuss the role in more detail, please email Lucinda Shaw at Eastside People to arrange a convenient time. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

The closing date for applications is Monday 27 January. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Abbeyfield Southern Oaks during the week beginning 3 February.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support patients transitioning from hospital to home, ensuring their discharge is safe, smooth, and successful. By providing practical assistance and emotional support, you will play a key role in helping individuals regain independence, prevent readmission, and access community resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with transport, helping patients travel safely from the hospital to their homes.

• Shopping for groceries or other essentials.

• Carrying out simple home safety checks to ensure the environment is suitable for recovery.

• Offer emotional support and reassurance during the transition period.

• Support patients for a minimum of 4 weeks (maximum 6 weeks) post-discharge, either in person (at their home or in the community) or over the phone.

• Help patients connect with local services, activities, and support networks to aid recovery and prevent isolation.

• Encourage and support individuals to re-engage with their community, reducing the likelihood of hospital readmission.

• Guidance and training will be provided on using the Care For Me platform to assign patients, obtain details of patient support, record visits, and monitor attendance.

Skills and Qualities Needed:

• Empathy and the ability to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Good communication skills and patience.

• Reliability and commitment to supporting individuals during a vulnerable time.

• Practical problem-solving skills to assist with day-to-day tasks.

• Understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding principles (this will be covered in training)

• Proficient use of the internet. 

• Access to email and a smartphone to use Care For Me. 

Time Commitment:

Flexible, depending on patient needs, with a minimum of 4 weeks (maximum 6 weeks) of support per individual. You might need to be available evenings and weekends.

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in someone’s recovery journey.

• Experience working in partnership with healthcare and community services.

• Training and ongoing support from Age UK Lambeth.

• The chance to develop new skills and connect with your local community. 

Training and Support Provided:

• Full training on hospital discharge processes, safeguarding, lone working and patient support.

• Ongoing support from the Hospital Discharge Community Support Coordinator and the Volunteer Coordinator.

Currently we have six trustees and Chair who oversee our activities including a very experienced and qualified Treasurer and a trustee generating income mainly from Charitable Trusts. We have a paid team of 10 part time and one full time all directly delivering our services. 

We need someone who can publicize our five services to the local area and particularly attract more volunteers particularly for car driving. We are using social media, have a web site and use the local newspaper and local area magazines that also have web sites to exploit.

Our accompanied volunteer car driving involves taking older people to hospital, GP clinics, dentist, social clubs, to shopping. One to one befriending involves a volunteer visit to their home. Over the last two years we have taken on three new projects for older people, three community cafés each week in the Basingstoke area, a handyperson service and gardeners.

We have around 130 volunteers, 55 volunteer car drivers, accomplishing around 3,000 tasks a year and 50 befrienders. We ask for charitable contributions for driving and a modest charge for handyperson and gardening. We are supported mainly by charitable trusts; our costs are around £150,000 a year. Our Report and Accounts for year ending March 2024 is available through our web site and via the Charity Commission.

The driving service is organized by 5 part time paid coordinators working from a small office in the Orchard using phones, e mail and a client/volunteer CRM database. We reimburse drivers at 45p a mile for each journey they make. 

We are very well known in the Basingstoke area having been in operation for 27 years, gaining the Queen’s Award. We are a Strategic Partner with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Our transport service ensures older people with limited mobility and no local family can get out and about and reach activities that would otherwise be denied to them. Accessing medical services to maintain good health is essential with possible diagnosis and early treatment. Cafés provide a welcome break for older people to get out and about with entertainments organized as well as snacks. Handyperson and gardening enable people to live better and longer in their own home.

I can provide more detail to an interested person.

Peter Robson, Trustee

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We specialise in supporting people with visual impairment and complex needs in a range of services including Care Homes and Supported Living. Can you help support us in making a difference in the lives of the people we support?

What will you be doing?

As a member of the Board, you will play a vital role in steering and supporting New Outlook. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction; ensuring we meet regulatory requirements; and overseeing the work of the staff team, thus ensuring New Outlook’s efficient administration and financial stability.

Time Commitment

0-5 hours / month

What are we looking for?

This is an exciting time to join us as Vice Chair of Board.  The successful volunteer will support the Chair of Board and will need to demonstrate a commitment to a high level of engagement. You must be able to understand our business, its culture, people, and help to provide strategic leadership and direction in order to inform the current and future needs of the organisation so that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the overall governance of the organisation. You will possess the ability to deputise for the Chair when needed. 

There is no need to have trustee experience to apply, as long as you are committed to our values. We wish to have a wide range of people on the Board and seek to be representative of the diverse population in the West Midlands.

What difference will you make?

We are constantly striving to make a difference to people’s lives through the provision of aspirational services for people with sensory and other specialist needs. We want to enable people to live fulfilled lives in excellent quality accommodation, and our whole philosophy is based around person-centred principles. 

Our core values summarise what we ASPIRE to achieve:

Approachable  

Supportive

Professional

Innovative  

Reliable

Empowering  

Before you apply

You will need to submit the following:

1. A full CV including the name and address of a referee (the referee will not be approached without prior permission from candidates).
2. A covering letter which states what motivates you to join our Board and what you will be able to contribute to our success and values.

Completed applications should be sent via Reach Volunteering.

Join Us as a Dementia Volunteer! Make a Difference, One Hour at a Time

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in your community?

Homeline is a service run by The Creighton Centre, which offers long-term befriending, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness for 60+ residents living in Hammersmith and Fulham.
We’re seeking compassionate, friendly volunteers from Hammersmith and Fulham to bring joy and connection to individuals living with dementia. Just one hour a week or two (or more, if you’d like!) can make a huge difference in someone’s life—and yours.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Dementia Volunteer, you’ll:

• Visit and spend time with someone living with dementia in their place of residence (usually weekly or fortnightly).

• Provide companionship and help combat loneliness with meaningful conversations, shared memories, or activities.

• Brighten someone’s day simply by showing up and showing you care.

• To provide stimulation to your client through conversation, sensory activities and/or being a comforting presence [training to be provided on sensory activity ideas].

• Role is primarily a befriending one to provide social company, however, some clients may wish going out to a café, a local class or enjoy a walk in a park.

• To accompany your client for a walk safely outdoors (where agreed in advance with Homeline staff).

• To go for a walk with a client who is wheelchair bound (where this has been agreed in advance with Homeline staff and client and Manual handling training has been provided).

• To occasionally visit clients in hospital or Care Home (where agreed beforehand with Homeline staff).

• To occasionally help clients with simple tasks e.g. posting letters, helping to read post, helping file paperwork.

• To keep in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator/Homeline staff regularly and provide monthly feedback via our online Volunteer form. If you do not have access to the internet we can arrange for you to update us via text or phone call.

• To spend a maximum of 1-2 hours with your client.

Don’t worry if you’re new to this! We’ll provide Dementia Training to ensure you feel confident and prepared for the role.

We will provide:

•Induction training and specific dementia training prior to being matched to a Homeline member.

• We also provide ongoing training opportunities in all aspects of the befriending role.

• Introduction to your client and background information on your client.

• Regular support and supervision with the Dementia Coordinator or Volunteer Coordinator.

• Monthly newsletters.

• Regular opportunities to meet staff and other volunteers at client and volunteer social events.

• A reference after 3-6 months of volunteering with us.

• An enhanced DBS check.

• Travel expenses incurred during your volunteering on proof of a receipt.

Skills needed:

• Good listening and communication skills.

• Empathy.

• A patient, kind and caring approach.

• Outgoing friendly personality.

• Awareness of Dementia and how it affects people and a desire to learn more.

• An understanding of and commitment to our confidentiality, equal opportunities and safeguarding policies (provided during training).

Accountable to:

Dementia Coordinator / Homeline Volunteer Coordinator

Why Volunteer?

Make a Lasting Impact: Your time and care can bring joy, reduce isolation, and improve the quality of life for someone with dementia.

Be Part of a Community: Join a group of like-minded volunteers who share your passion for making a difference.

 Flexible Commitment: Dedicate just 1 hour a week—or more, if you’re able—on your own schedule.

Local Support: This opportunity is for Hammersmith and Fulham residents, making it easy and convenient to volunteer within your community.

Learn and Grow: Gain valuable insights into dementia care and meaningful connections that will enrich your life.

Not Sure Yet? Join a Taster Session!

We get it—starting something new can feel like a big step. That’s why we’re offering:

Taster Days: Experience what volunteering is all about before committing.

Q&A Sessions: Ask questions and hear from current volunteers about their experiences.

Ready to Get Started?

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in making a real difference in Hammersmith and Fulham. Together, let’s bring smiles, connection, and care to those who need it most.

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

We run a mixture of social, exercise and activity groups for older people across the borough of Southwark. From singing to yoga, bridge to computer groups, we have something to suit everyone.

Many of our groups are run by professional tutors and our wonderful volunteers who help to set up, welcome group members, serve tea and coffee and tidy up at the end. We are always looking for new faces to join our groups. 

If you have a skill or talent that you would like to share with the group, whether it be arts & crafts, singing, dancing, knowledge of local history or anything in between, we'd love to hear from you!

The role could involve:

• Leading activities
• Setting up and clearing away activities
• Ensuring that appropriate refreshments are available and served and cleared away
• Socialising with group members
• Assisting in completing basic admin tasks to ensure that attendance records are kept
• Assisting in publicising activities within the venue and local community to attract more participants

The role requires:

• a cheerful and friendly personality
• good communication/listening skills
• good physical health
• commitment to supporting a group on either a weekly or fortnightly basis, dependent on the group
• good timekeeping and reliability
• able to work independently
• attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
• completion of a full Disclosure and Barring Service and character reference check
• a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health and safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality and diversity

If you have a skill or talent that you would like to share with the group, whether it is arts & crafts, singing, dancing, knowledge of local history or anything in between, we'd love to hear from you!

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

By becoming a Digital Buddy, you’ll help bridge the digital divide, ensuring everyone can stay connected and navigate the digital world confidently. Are you able to support our service users and help build their digital skills with sessions at home on their mobile phones, tablets, or laptops? Our Digital Buddies provide up to six weekly home visits, each lasting 1-2 hours.

Some examples of what a Digital Buddy can assist with:

• Accessing online services
• Setting up a new digital device
• Mobile messaging
• Sending emails 
• Picture messaging
• Problem solving
• Staying safe online

No need to be a tech expert—support with the basics so our older friends can communicate and navigate their devices. Please note that our Digital Buddies are not able to support with online banking, advice on purchases, or fixing hardware.

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

One of the greatest challenges for many older people is access to suitable transport. As we age, our mobility decreases and sometimes we can lose confidence in our ability to leave the house independently. 

Our network of volunteer drivers provide a vital lifeline to many older people to help them get out and about and keep them connected with their local community.

We are able to provide transport to and from Link Age Southwark social groups. This role is all about providing an unhurried door-to-door service on either a regular or one-off basis. 

This role requires:

• owning a car with a full and clean driving license and suitable insurance cover (most insurance companies are charity friendly - we can help verify your car use if required)
• ensuring the vehicle you are driving is safe and legal
• sufficient fitness to drive - please inform us if there are any issues that may affect your driving ability
• patience and understanding towards the needs of older people, particularly those with mobility issues
• attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
• completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
• a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health and safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality & diversity

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Befriending is at the very heart of Link Age Southwark's services. Lots of the older people we work with are feeling lonely and in need of a little extra social company. Our fantastic volunteer befrienders visit an older person once a week, sharing a cup of tea and a chat together.

Demand for our befriending service continues to grow and we are looking for new people to join our existing team of volunteers so that we can support as many older people as possible. 

This role requires:

• volunteering for approximately 1 hour a week to visit an older person
• a commitment to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months
• a cheerful and friendly personality
• good communication/listening skills
• attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
• completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
• a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health & safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality and diversity

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

What Will an Engagement Support Volunteer Do?

It’s simple—your role is to bring joy and support to our weekly sessions! You’ll help welcome people, set up session rooms, serve refreshments, play games, run quizzes, support attendees, and make sure everyone feels comfortable and included. It’s a mix of activities, and you’ll be supported by the BCF staff while making new friends along the way. Our sessions run Monday to Friday, so you can volunteer around your other commitments.

We have a variety of fun groups you can volunteer with - here are just a few examples:

• Breakfast & Browsers

• Lunch Club

• Cooking Club

• Dance Sessions

• Women's Group

• Travel with Confidence

• Telephone Befriending

• Home Befriending

• Men's Group

What Experience Do You Need?

You need to be a UK resident. We are not accepting overseas applications. None at all! We’re not looking for any previous experience. All you need is a positive attitude, a desire to help, and a willingness to get stuck in. We’ll provide the rest!

Tasks and responsibilities

• Welcome Members - Make sure members feel warmly welcomed when they attend
• Set Up & Pack Down - Help with setting up and packing down the group(s)
• Serve Refreshments - Assist with serving refreshments and checking in on members
• Facilitate Activities - Play games, run quizzes, or assist with group activities
• Provide Encouragement - Offer a listening ear, positive reinforcement, and motivation during activities