Skip to content

Sounding Board Volunteer

Sounding Board Volunteer Role  

Introduction 

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.   

Our organisational objectives are to  

  • Provide top-quality services and support to all older people in Bristol.  
  • Lead and enable collaboration between other organisations working with older people in Bristol. 
  • Influence public spending and policies in a way that benefits older people in the city. 
  • Promote positive attitudes to ageing in Bristol. 

We do this by 

  • Providing quality information 
  • Delivering quality services 
  • Involving older people  
  • Giving older people a voice 
  • Working in partnership 
  • Maintaining an effective organisation 

 

Volunteers are important and valued members of the team at Age UK Bristol. We will do our best to make your volunteer experience enjoyable and rewarding. 

Purpose of Sounding Board Volunteer  

The Sounding Board is a group of older people who use their experience, knowledge and ideas to help shape the work of Age UK Bristol.  

The role involves  

As a Sounding Board member, you will play an important role in ensuring that the voices of older people influence the design and development of our services, projects, and future plans. Alongside the other members, you will act as a critical friend to Age UK Bristol by sharing your views, experiences and suggestions to help us improve what we do and ensure our work reflects the needs and aspirations of older people across Bristol.  

 

You can choose how you get involved depending on your interests, skills and availability. Some opportunities may involve attending meetings and workshops online or in person, while others may be more home based, with reviewing documents or contributing ideas and opinions via email.  

 

Tasks may include but are not limited to: 

  • Providing feedback on some potential new projects, services and initiatives 
  • Sharing your views on issues affecting older people across Bristol 
  • Reviewing surveys, communications and other materials before they go out widely to our audiences 
  • Helping shape funding applications and project ideas 
  • Participating in focus groups or consultation activities as and when they arise 
  • Acting as a critical friend by over constructive challenge and suggestions 
  • Supporting research and evaluation activities where appropriate 
  • Representing the views and experiences of older people where appropriate 
  • Attending and supporting AUKB at stalls and events across Bristol where interested 

 

The qualities and skills required for this role are 

  • An interest in improving lives of older people across Bristol 
  • Willingness to learn from and listen to fellow sounding board members 
  • Enjoys a variety of responsibiliites 
  • To have an understanding of the needs of older people 
  • To have an understanding of the barriers older people may face  
  • Punctuality and reliability when attending sessions or gatherings 
  • No previous volunteering experience is required 

Benefits of Volunteering in this role 

You will be using your own opinions and knowledge, to help shape the future of the Age UK Bristol services and projects.  You will make a difference in the lives of people across Bristol.  You will meet and connect with others and create a positive change. You will learn more about local initiatives and developments across Bristol.  

 

Time commitment  

There is no minimum commitment or set hours, as opportunities to contribute will arise throughout the year and members can choose activities that match their skills, interests and availability.  

Training 

We offer an induction and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role, along with other relevant training opportunities. 

 

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check 

This role requires a Basic DBS check. 

Location 

This is primarily a flexible role that can be undertaken from home. There will also be opportunities to participate online as well as occasionally in person meetings at the Age UK Bristol offices, or community venues.  

  

Expenses 

We reimburse all reasonable expenses associated with the role, for instance travel.  

Further Information  

For further information please contact: Volunteering@ageukbristol.org.uk