Volunteer roles for the Elderly sector

Cheer Team Volunteer – Support Runners and Raise Spirits!

We’re looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to join our Cheer Points at Great South Run 2025. Your mission? Cheer on and clap for our incredible runners as they raise vital funds for Alzheimer's Society.

By volunteering with us, you’ll be supporting our mission to give help to those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future. Every clap, cheer and smile you give helps drive our runners toward the finish line and brings us closer to a world where a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. 

You’ll be stationed along the route, creating an uplifting, high-energy atmosphere that keeps our fundraisers motivated all the way to the finish line.

What you’ll do:

· Clap, cheer, wave flags or hold signs

· Be part of a supportive team

· Help make the day unforgettable for our runners

What we offer:

· A fun and social experience

· Charity t-shirt –

· Full instructions and support from our events team

No experience needed, just bring your energy and smile!

Apply today and help us make a big noise for a great cause.

Age UK Plymouth exists to care for and work with older people and their carers in and around the city of Plymouth to improve their quality of life through the promotion of choice, opportunity and independence.

We’re looking to expand our dedicated team of Trustees to support the next stage of our work in Plymouth and we’re seeking individuals who are passionate about our vision, mission and values.

Trustees hold independent control and legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration, working together as a board to make strategic, high-level decisions.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in fundraising, marketing and communications, HR, finance, public sector commissioning, or digital/IT. However, if your background lies elsewhere and you’re passionate about our mission, we’d still love to hear from you.

The role requires a time commitment of around one day per month, which includes meeting preparation and attendance, strategy days, and supporting your team in your area of expertise.

For more information and details of how to apply please visit the Age UK Plymouth website.

Befriend a housebound older person at their home near you in Coventry - any day or time, from 30 min/fortnight. You'll be carefully matched by shared interests & supported.

Befriending an older person in your local area takes just 30-60 minutes, fortnightly or weekly. It fits into your life, and you gain a new friend. You can learn more about Coventry life & history, and feel great that you've made a housebound older person feel less lonely. Volunteers and older people come from all backgrounds. They could take short walks, bake together, watch sport together, discuss literature, learn to crochet...

You will be carefully matched by your shared hobbies and interests, and logistical factors such as shared language, how close to home or work you'd like to be, and when you'd each like to chat. Support is available at any time, should you need it.

Visits can take place during evenings & weekends, though our most popular request is for daytime visits. We also offer telephone befriending. Volunteers must be 18+, but children can come along when accompanied. Dogs are welcome too!

Visits can simply include chat and a cuppa, or can involve going for a short walk together, doing crafts, playing games, gardening together, or watching sport. It's up to you!

Who They Are

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a UK charity that has been supporting older people for over 35 years. Its vision – better lives for older people – remains as relevant today as at its founding. Through integrated retirement communities, ExtraCare offers an alternative approach to later living that challenges societal perceptions of ageing.

Its holistic model, underpinned by research with Aston and Lancaster Universities, has delivered proven benefits for both residents and wider society. As pioneers of supported independent living, the Trust prides itself on delivering best-in-class retirement living and advocating for older people.

Since 1988, ExtraCare has developed retirement villages and smaller housing schemes, with a consistent focus on enabling residents to enjoy happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives within vibrant communities. Today, it is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for over-55s, operating 14 retirement villages and four smaller schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents in 3,778 homes.

The Role

ExtraCare is seeking a new Chair of the Audit & Assurance Committee to lead the Committee in providing rigorous oversight of risk, governance, and financial controls, ensuring the charity operates with integrity and in full compliance with regulatory requirements. The charity welcomes applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds to help enhance the diversity of the Board.

Person Specification

• Senior leadership or Board-level experience, and/or prior service as Chair or member of an Audit Committee.

• Strong business acumen, including strategic financial planning and awareness, with a sound understanding and background in audit and finance. A relevant financial qualification is desirable but not essential, provided at least one other Committee member holds such a qualification or background.

• Working knowledge of the Audit Committee’s role, internal and external audit processes, audit practice, and risk management frameworks.

• Sound governance knowledge and experience operating with a high level of accountability in a regulated sector.

• Ability to chair meetings impartially, effectively, and inclusively.

• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Who They Are

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a UK charity that has supported older people for over 35 years. Guided by the vision of better lives for older people, the Trust delivers integrated retirement communities offering an alternative approach to later living that challenges societal perceptions of ageing.

Its holistic model, supported by research with Aston and Lancaster Universities, has demonstrated significant benefits for residents and wider society. As pioneers of supported independent living, ExtraCare prides itself on delivering best-in-class retirement living opportunities and advocating for older people.

Since 1988, the organisation has developed retirement villages and smaller housing schemes, prioritising the wellbeing, happiness, and fulfilment of residents. Today, ExtraCare is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for over-55s, operating 14 retirement villages and four smaller schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents in 3,778 homes.

The Role

ExtraCare is seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, ensure effective governance, and work closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees in delivering the charity’s vision, mission, and values. Applications are welcomed from individuals across a wide range of backgrounds to strengthen the diversity of the Board.

Person Specification

• Previous non-executive Board experience in a customer-focused organisation (charity or housing sector experience not essential).

• Clear understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Board, and Chief Executive.

• Proven leadership track record within an organisation of comparable scale and complexity.

• Strong governance knowledge and accountability within regulated sectors.

• Business acumen, including strategic planning, financial oversight, risk and performance management, and service development.

• Understanding of operating within a regulated environment.

• Commitment to the principles of a social business and the charity’s operating context.

• Experience representing an organisation externally, including public speaking.

Could you help improve the lives of older people across Wales?

Age Cymru is seeking three new trustees to join our passionate and highly skilled board. Whether you're an experienced trustee or considering your first board role, we’d love to hear from you.

As the national charity for older people in Wales, Age Cymru works to ensure that older people are valued, included, and empowered to shape the decisions that affect their lives. We deliver trusted advice, support, and services, and use our insight to influence policies that matter.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re particularly interested in individuals with skills or experience in:

• Communications
• Marketing
• Fundraising or income generation
• Law
• Government
• Business

We  particularly welcome applications from:

• Welsh speakers
• People living in North and Mid Wales
• Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds

Your perspective and lived experience can help us broaden representation and deepen our impact.

What You’ll Gain

As a trustee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape the direction of a national charity and improve the lives of older people in Wales
• Receive induction and training, and develop new skills in charity governance
• Use your expertise, connections, and insights to create new opportunities for Age Cymru
• Be part of a dedicated, collaborative team driving positive change

Commitment

• Four board meetings per year, plus a two-day strategy meeting in November
• Meetings are held online or in person on weekdays
• Preparation includes reading board papers in advance
• Many trustees also contribute through committee work

Apply Now

Deadline: 12 Noon, 30 September 2025
Visit Age Cymru ¦ Work for us for the application pack.

A wnewch chi helpu i wella bywydau pobl hŷn ledled Cymru?

Mae Age Cymru’n chwilio am dri ymddiriedolwr newydd i ymuno â’n bwrdd brwdfrydig a medrus.  Rydyn ni’n awyddus i glywed gan ymddiriedolwyr profiadol a phobl sy’n chwilio am eu rôl gyntaf fel aelod bwrdd.

Age Cymru yw’r elusen genedlaethol ar gyfer pobl hŷn yng Nghymru, ac rydyn ni’n gweithio i sicrhau bod pobl hŷn yn cael eu gwerthfawrogi, eu cynnwys a’u grymuso i ddylanwadu ar benderfyniadau sy’n effeithio ar eu bywydau.  Rydyn ni’n darparu cyngor, cefnogaeth a gwasanaethau dibynadwy, ac yn defnyddio ein profiad i ddylanwadu ar bolisïau.

Pa fath o berson ydyn ni’n chwilio amdano?

Rydyn ni’n chwilio am unigolyn sydd â sgiliau neu brofiad o:

• Cyfathrebu
• Marchnata
• Codi arian a chynhyrchu incwm
• Y gyfraith
• Llywodraeth
• Busnes

Rydyn ni’n croesawu ceisiadau gan:

• Siaradwyr Cymraeg
• Pobl sy’n byw yng Ngogledd a Chanolbarth Cymru
• Pobl o gefndiroedd ethnig lleiafrifol

Bydd eich safbwynt a’ch profiad bywyd yn ein helpu ni i ehangu ein cynrychiolaeth a chryfhau ein heffaith.

Beth fyddwch chi’n elwa?

Fel ymddiriedolwr, byddwch chi’n cael cyfle i:

• Lunio cyfeiriad elusen genedlaethol a gwella bywydau pobl hŷn yng Nghymru
• Derbyn cyfnod sefydlu a hyfforddiant, a datblygu sgiliau newydd mewn llywodraethant elusen
• Defnyddio eich arbenigedd, cysylltiadau, a phrofiadau er mwyn creu cyfleoedd newydd ar gyfer Age Cymru
• Bod yn rhan o dîm ymroddedig, cydweithredol sy’n creu newidiadau cadarnhaol

Ymrwymiad

• Pedwar cyfarfod y flwyddyn, a chyfarfod strategaeth dros gyfnod o ddau ddiwrnod ym mis Tachwedd
• Cynhelir cyfarfodydd ar-lein neu wyneb yn wyneb rhwng dydd Llun a dydd Gwener
• Mae’r gwaith paratoi’n cynnwys darllen papurau bwrdd o flaen llaw
• Mae nifer o ymddiriedolwyr yn cyfrannu gwaith pwyllgor

Ymgeisiwch nawr

Dyddiad cau: 12 Canol dydd, 30 Medi 2025
Ewch i Age Cymru ¦ Gweithio i ni er mwyn darllen y pecyn cais.

Help shape better lives for older people in Lewisham and Southwark

Age UK Lewisham and Southwark is a dynamic local charity committed to improving the lives of older people across two of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. We support over 5,000 older people each year through life-enhancing services: from day centres to advice, befriending to wellbeing activities, and much more.

As part of the national Age UK network, we combine grassroots community knowledge with trusted service delivery. Our goal is a community where older people are valued, supported, and empowered to lead fulfilled lives.

The Role – Treasurer

As Treasurer and Trustee, you will play a key role in helping us achieve our mission. You will:

· Oversee the charity’s financial strategy and health, ensuring good governance and sustainability.

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

· Support and challenge the CEO and Finance Director, providing strategic advice and guidance.

· Help drive long-term impact by ensuring robust financial planning aligns with our services for older people.

You will work closely with a committed group of Trustees and a skilled management team, making a meaningful contribution to the community.

What We Are Looking For

We’re keen to hear from people who:

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

· Have excellent financial acumen, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.

· Have some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes.

· Have an interest in good governance and strategy and are effective team members.

· Share our commitment to improving the lives of older people and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Experience as a trustee is helpful but not essential - support and induction will be provided.

Time Commitment

· Board of Trustees: Meets 4 times per year (evenings, hybrid).

· Finance Sub-Committee: Meets 4 times per year (Treasurer chairs).

· Additional availability to liaise with the Chair, CEO, and Finance Director (typically monthly).

· Attendance at the Annual General Meeting and Annual Away Day.

Total commitment: approx. 6-8 days annually with flexibility and remote options.

Why Join Us

· Make a tangible difference in your local community.

· Gain or deepen non-executive leadership experience.

· Join a friendly, committed Board with a positive culture of teamwork.

· Be part of an organisation that values diversity, inclusion, and personal development.

Who They Are

Care Rights UK is a national charity dedicated to championing the rights of people in care. For over 30 years, the organisation has provided information, advice, and support to empower individuals using care services, as well as the relatives and friends who support them.

As a community of families and experts, Care Rights UK campaigns for better lives for people in care. The charity identifies poor practice, highlights examples of good care, and advocates for a stronger, fairer care system.

The Role

Care Rights UK is entering an exciting phase of growth and is seeking to diversify and expand its reach across the UK. To support this next chapter, the organisation is looking to appoint a new trustee to join its established and welcoming Board of Trustees.

The Board plays a vital role in the strategic oversight of the charity, working alongside a small but dedicated staff team led by an experienced CEO. Trustees help guide the organisation’s work, ensuring it continues to provide the national advice line for older people needing care and to campaign effectively for systemic change.

Despite its modest size, Care Rights UK is recognised as a leading voice in the sector, “punching above its weight” through its influence, advocacy, and impact.

Who They Are Looking For

Care Rights UK welcomes applications from people with a positive, can-do attitude and a passion for promoting the rights of older people. The charity is particularly interested in individuals with knowledge or experience of:

• Advice and support services

• Legal expertise

• First-hand experience of care services

These perspectives are highly valued, but applications are welcomed from anyone with an interest in adult social care. Previous trustee experience is not required. Training, induction, and tailored support will be provided to ensure new trustees feel confident in their role.

Commitment to Diversity

Care Rights UK is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, including those underrepresented on the Board: individuals from minoritised ethnic communities, women, and LGBTQ+ communities. The charity particularly values lived experience of care and seeks to ensure its leadership reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

What Trustees Can Expect

• Friendly, supportive colleagues on both the Board and staff team

• Clear, jargon-free Board papers provided in a timely manner

• One-to-one support from the Chair and regular reviews of Board operations

• Peer support, including a buddy scheme

• A comprehensive induction to the charity, its work and mission

• Training to equip trustees for their role

• Practical support from staff, including help with logistics such as travel

• Opportunities to share knowledge and skills with sector experts

• The chance to be part of a dynamic team driving real change in the care sector

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

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.

This role involves making regular contact with an older person who feels lonely or isolated. Befriending volunteers also encourage customers to become more independent inside and outside of their home with regards to activities, appointments and domestic lifestyles. This will reduce social isolation, promote independence, improve self-confidence and enable older people to take control of how they manage their physical and mental wellbeing, so they can age well and live healthier for longer.  Volunteers are matched based on location, interests and needs.

Join Elleray Community Association as Chair and lead an exciting new chapter as we move into a new purpose-built centre in Teddington. Help shape strategy, support staff and volunteers, and expand our valued services for older adults and the wider community. We are seeking an inclusive leader with strategic vision, governance experience, and a passion for local impact.

Chair Role Description

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that ECA achieves its mission.

• Work in partnership with the Centre Manager and team to achieve ECA’s mission.

• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.

• Optimise the relationship between the board and ECA’s staff and volunteers.

• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for ECA.  

What we are looking for  

• Ideally previous experience of being a trustee. 

• A keen sense of strategic purpose.

• Governance and committee experience in a charity or business setting.

• Strong in execution and managing transformation projects, including leading the charity in the new ECA building setting. 

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and ability to constructively negotiate and collaborate with various institutions, entities, and personnel.

• Affinity with and commitment to the local SW London and Teddington area.

• Business experience and awareness across finance, risk, IT, and people management, would be desirable.

• An inclusive leadership style, able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing. 

• The ability to listen and engage effectively, comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 

• In advocation, be able and willing to champion ECA’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

• Be available, responsive and flexible to advise, support or give consent to, as needed.   

Terms of office  

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.  

Time commitment 

• Attending [6] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are generally held in person at the ECA building.

• Periodic meetings with the Centre Manager and management team, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad-hoc issues.

• Other meetings, including on potential strategy and other charity-related issues. 

We urgently need volunteers who can provide a friendly face, shop for and deliver groceries to our clients.

The Age Connects shopping service is an invaluable lifeline to so many older, vulnerable members of our local communities, particularly those with no family or friends to offer shopping support. We know that older people can become frail, and those who have mobility problems, who no longer drive or don’t have access to the internet, may find it difficult to do their weekly shop.

As a shopper you will be providing a shop and deliver service for the client either on a weekly or fortnightly basis. You will collect their shopping list, carry out the shopping and deliver it back to them. It could be that you’re the only person they see or speak to that day or even that week and it can be an opportunity to have a chat with the client, provide them with information about other services they may need or to offer practical help.

This is a fee paying service, the client will pay £5 per shop to the charity. If you are a friendly, reliable and trustworthy, you can help. You need to be aged 18+, and to be able to make a commitment for a minimum of 6 months: we will also require two character references, and will carry out a DBS check before you can start. It is best if you have access to your own transport, as some clients do not live centrally, or require large shops.

Volunteer Befrienders needed now in Cardiff and the Vale

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale are reaching out to find new volunteers to help our older clients stay in contact with the outside world. Many older people remain alone at home for long periods of time, with only the TV for company. You can get out into your community and help an older person combat loneliness and isolation.

No experience is necessary. If you could spare just an hour a week to support an older person and bring some cheer into their lives, we would love to hear from you.

You just need to have good communication skills, be a good listener and enjoy having a chat.

Opportunities across Cardiff and the Vale, South Wales

Volunteer today to support older people in Cardiff and the Vale. Volunteers need to be aged 18 + and make a minimum commitment of 6 months..