Volunteer
We are looking for new volunteers to help in our work with older people in the area.
Call us on 01274 391 190 or email at info@ageukbd.org.uk
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and support the work we do in the community.
There are many different reasons that people choose to give their time, here are some of the many reasons our current volunteers have told us they love volunteering:
- To give something back to the community and make a difference
- To improve the quality of life for local older people
- To do something positive for others
- To make new friends and build new relationships
- To develop new skills and transfer your own knowledge to support others
- To complete actual and on the job training
- To enhance your CV or gain a reference
- To have fun!
Who can volunteer?
Almost anyone can be a volunteer. We have a wide range of roles which suit different people and different skills. Please see each individual role discription to find out more.
New opportunities are always arising, from one-off support for events to regular weekly volunteering roles.
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.
Why did I become a volunteer?
Basically, because I was getting bored at home. The same mundane daily routine:- washing, drying, shopping. preparing meals - the list goes on.
After having a busy, people oriented career I suddenly had no one to talk to during the day whilst my husband was at work. I realised I needed to get out and start meeting new people whilst giving something back to my community. Whilst browsing in my local Age UK shop I saw a notice asking for volunteers.
The staff in the shop were all friendly so I asked for an application form. Took it home, completed it, and dropped it back into the shop. A few days later I was asked to call into the shop for "a chat". The manager quickly put me at ease and after a relaxing, friendly half hour we were making arrangements for me to pick which days/hours I'd want to work. Since that day, about 3 years ago, I'm so glad I completed my application and started working here.
It's not just 'a job' it's a whole new family and group of friends, both staff and customers. Working the same days means you get to know your customers. There is quite a mix of different people:- new parents with their babies, mums/dads/grandparents calling in on their way from dropping off/picking up kids from school, women coming in with friends, even fellas buying T-shirts & jeans for work!!
During the year we hold various fundraising events which, whilst being good fun for our customers, also allows us to provide assistance to vulnerable people in our community.
Come on, get an application form and hand it in. You've nothing to lose and lots to gain.
Current volunteer roles
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Retail Volunteer
The Retail Volunteer supports the day to day running of the retail element of our Community hubs, raising funds to support services for older people in Bradford District. This includes operating the till, providing an excellent service to our customers and promoting gift aid. Our locations are; Idle, Wrose, Shipley, Keighley, Allerton and Queensbury.
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Group Support Volunteer
Our Group volunteers are able to offer friendship and support and form positive relationships with adults who attend our group sessions.
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Online Sales Volunteer
Our Online Sales Volunteers will support the use of online platforms to sell donated items, to achieve the best price.
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First Contact Volunteer
The First Contact Volunteer will provide initial contact for people dropping in to our Community Hubs. This includes welcoming people, assisting with initial enquiries or referring to the appropriate team and providing support to the wider hub activities.
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Distribution Volunteer
The Distribution Volunteer will support our retail and distribution team, based at Wrose, with sorting donations received and preparing them for sale in our community hubs.
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1:1 Buddy Volunteer
Our 1:1 Buddy volunteers are able to offer friendship and support and form a positive one to one relationship with adults who live alone or who have difficulty in leaving their homes to socialise.
Corporate Volunteering
Group volunteering opportunities, team building whilst supporting a local charity. Contact us to express an interest.
Are you creative and have time to help us? Studio BD focusses on recycling unsaleable items into something beautiful or useful that we can sell in our hubs; like twiddle muffs, draught excluders and tote bags. We can provide tools and materials for those who'd like to help.