Inside View With...

Welcome to our new website series written by the volunteers who give their time to support our services.

The volunteers share their thoughts and experiences, giving you an 'inside view' of their role and what can be expected in the various volunteer opportunties we have.

We begin by highlighting the role of Friendship Club Lead. We support a number of Friendship Clubs, which provide a place for older people to meet and enjoy the company of others, take part in games and activities, some also have a cooked meal. The clubs are independent and run by volunteers, with our guidance. We help to set up a club and step back once it is running (being on hand if needed). The club volunteers are not managed by Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough but our club support includes assisting in advertising, training and ongoing support.

One volunteer has told us about what she does – you can read about it here….

Denise, a Friendship Club Volunteer Lead

My name is Denise and I’m a volunteer lead at Orton Friendship Club, which runs every other week from 2-4pm. Our members enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits, while enjoying various talks and entertainment. Most importantly a chat and to connect with others.

I’ve been a volunteer at the club for almost 2 years. The previous lead was no longer able to carry on in the role, so I took over.  I was initially a little daunted at first with taking on a new responsibility but with the help of the other volunteers I’m finding it nice, and easy.

I always look forward to the Friendship Club meetings, even though I worry a little about the speaker/entertainment or my fellow volunteers turning up, as I want everything to run smoothly. I needn’t worry, as they always do! I’m one of five volunteers and we get on so well. We enjoy the company as much as anyone else and like the roles we play in keeping the club running for everyone.  Pat and Jill greet people as they arrive and make sure they have refreshments and biscuits – chocolate ones too! Our good biscuit selection keeps people coming 😊. I recently booked a speaker to talk about World War II and he said “I would love to do it if there will be tea and biscuits.”

As Volunteer Lead it’s my responsibility to prepare for the club meetings, but with my great team in Jill, Pat, Anne, and Stacey (who occasionally brings her 11-year-old daughter to help too), this is much easier. 

I ensure the venue is accessible and everything we need is available. I plan the events, activities, and outings. Anne helps me with the varied programme we arrange. She has quite a few contacts, so she approaches them for interest, liaises with me and if appropriate we book them.  Anne also liaises with residents in neighbouring apartments to see if anyone wants to attend the Friendship Club. All volunteers assist with escorting these residents to and from the Club safely.  Jill takes one lady in a wheelchair.

The types of entertainment/activity we have are varied and include singers, we have had people who give talks on the U3A, air ambulance, a ready meals provider who brought samples along and the macular society to name but a few. We organise a Christmas dinner locally every year and I’ve also organised two Afternoon Tea events at the community hall, one of which was for the Jubilee last year.

I really enjoy my volunteering role. One of best things about being involved with Age UK CAP supported Friendship Clubs is seeing the smiles and happiness of the members. We have regulars who come to every meet-up, some people drop in when they can, but everyone says how much they enjoy coming, especially to see their friends or make new friends. It’s very rewarding to know I’m part of reducing loneliness, enabling friendships and creating some joy.