Volunteers

Age Concern has many varied volunteer roles with different time commitments. All our roles are rewarding, and our volunteers really enjoy being able to make a valuable contribution and have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Our volunteers have varied life experiences and we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access needs, we will be happy to discuss this with you to enable you to volunteer.

Application Process

Age Concern volunteers complete an application form, attend an informal interview, provide 2 references, complete an enhanced DBS check and attend compulsory half day induction training.

Community Transport volunteers also complete driver license, car tax, MOT and insurance checks.

Training

As well as induction training additional optional training courses are provided. Training includes:

• Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding
• Confidentiality
• Boundaries
• Lone Working
• Health and Safety
• First Aid
• Dementia Awareness
• Emergency Procedures
• Wellbeing\Stress Management
• Bereavement Awareness
• Safe Moving and Handling

Volunteer Social Events

Popular volunteer social events are run quarterly and include a Spring Coffee Morning, Summer Afternoon Tea, Autumn Event and a Christmas Lunch.

Support

Volunteers are supported by Service Managers and the Volunteer Manager. A Volunteer Handbook and Volunteer Policy Booklet are provided for reference and are referred to throughout the induction training.

Insurance

All volunteers who use their cars must inform their insurance company that they are using their cars for voluntary purposes. Age Concern has Employers and Public Liability Insurance including cover to protect volunteer drivers ‘No Claims Bonus’ should they have an accident whilst driving for the Charity.

Expenses

Out of pocket volunteer expenses are paid including HMRC car milage allowance payments, parking charges and public transport costs. This does not affect volunteer tax or benefits.

Feeding Back

There are regular opportunities to give feedback including a Volunteer Steering Group.

Volunteer Opportunities

Befrienders

Provide a weekly visit to someone who is lonely and isolated. Visits are usually 1 hour in duration.

Telephone Befrienders

Provide a weekly phone call to provide conversation and support. Calls usually last 30 minutes.

Help Desk Operators

Help people over the telephone with signposting and information about home support, local tradespeople and services, carer support, support for people with long-term conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s, signposting for social care and healthcare.

Signposting for debt, energy, cold homes and legal issues and help with funeral arrangements and bereavement.

Community Transport Drivers

Drive people to their medical, practical and social appointments. Drives can be local or long-distance; volunteer drivers accept or reject each drive as it is offered to them. Regular drive times can be offered, or ad-hoc drives can be accepted.

Marketing Volunteers

Provide a weekly visit to befriend the cared-for allowing the carer to take a much-needed break. Visits are usually 2-3 hours in duration.

Benefits Service Volunteers

Undertake benefits assessments and support clients with benefit applications including Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Benefits and Blue Badges.

Community Transport Booking Desk Operators

Take calls from clients and contact volunteer drivers to make the drive bookings.

Shopping Volunteers

Help with food shopping, either with or for someone. Provide help with shopping lists, carrying bags and putting shopping away if needed.

Community Activity Volunteers

Help serve refreshments at clubs and groups. Support attendees and help with games and activities, host a lunch club or a pop in morning, help set up and clear rooms for exercise or craft. Be a craft/activities provider and share your hobby with others. Take the attendance register and manage the petty cash, call the bingo numbers and shop for the prizes. Activities last 2 hours.

Office Volunteers

Help with admin tasks and answer the telephone. Support visitors and help them find information in our information displays.

Carer Support Volunteers

Be the point of contact in your local community for Age Concern leaflets and posters. Keep your local noticeboards and distribution points up to date.

Community Fundraising Volunteers

Organise and support fundraising events and activities.

Volunteering

If you can volunteer a little time to support someone in your community, we would love to hear from you.