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Volunteer

Age UK Southampton relies on volunteers to help us offer vital services in the local community. Would you like to lend a hand?

 

Apply to volunteer

Volunteering roles with Age UK Southampton

  •

    Activities Volunteer

    Could you support us to run activities at our day-care service?  Help older people to achieve greater independence and to get more out of life.

  •

    Information and Advice Volunteer

    Could you support us to provide free, confidential advice on a range of issues that affect older people?

Volunteer Your Time

"I visited the charity to ask about clubs I could join as I was new to the area. To get to know more people I became a volunteer and have helped support the Information & Advice office for over 7 years and absolutely love it." 

Age UK Southampton's strength is our volunteers, and we want to make your experience of volunteering a rewarding one. We simply couldn’t manage to deliver our services without the contribution of our wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to make life better for older people in Southampton.

If you are interested in volunteering please get in touch. Our volunteers gain a real sense of achievement knowing that they are making a difference to the lives of others.

All our roles are within these core times:  Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00 pm  All volunteers are given appropriate training and have the support and guidance of managers and colleagues. There is insurance cover in place for our volunteers and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed.

We are committed to the safety of our staff and service users, and are aware that many of the people we serve are potentially vulnerable. For some volunteering roles it may be necessary for an application to be made for disclosure of any information held on police records by the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).

How to apply to be a volunteer

If you would like to apply to be a volunteer for Age UK Southampton please complete a volunteer application form, contact us for further information by telephone 023 8036 8636 or email volunteering@ageuksouthampton.org.uk

Download Volunteer Application Form.

 

Why volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and support the work we do in the community.

These are some of the reasons people choose to volunteer. For some it provides an opportunity to:

  • give something back to an organisation that has impacted on a person's life, either directly or indirectly
  • make a difference to the lives of others
  • help the environment
  • help others less fortunate or without a voice
  • feel valued and part of a team
  • spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle
  • gain confidence and self-esteem.

For some, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of:

  • gaining new skills, knowledge and experience
  • developing existing skills and knowledge
  • enhancing a CV
  • improving your employment prospects
  • gaining an accreditation
  • using one's professional skills and knowledge to benefit others (usually described as pro bono).

For others, volunteering appeals because of its social benefits. These include:

  • meeting new people and making new friends
  • a chance to socialise
  • getting to know the local community.

There is lots of anecdotal evidence that volunteering has a positive impact on health. Volunteering offers an opportuntity to keep your mind and body active, to do something meaningful that does good in your community, and to give your day a purpose.

 

Who can volunteer?

Almost anyone can be a volunteer. We have a range of roles which suit different people and different skills.

How much time do I need to give?

It depends on the volunteer role you are interested in. Some people give an hour a week, other people do more.