Volunteer with us
There are many ways to get involved with the work of Age UK Gloucestershire and make a difference to older people and your local community.
Everyone has experiences, skills, and interests that can make a huge difference in helping people enjoy later life, and we have a real mix of opportunities to suit everyone, whether you can make a regular commitment or only have a little time to give.
We understand that everyone has their own personal reasons for seeking a voluntary role, and we're keen to hear why you would like to join us. You may want to give back to your local community post-retirement, perhaps you have specific skills you'd like to use or develop, or maybe you would like to meet new people and make new friends. Whatever your reasons for wanting to volunteer, we can work with you to find the right role for you.
Volunteering can take many different forms, so find out below what's right for you!
To organise a chat with Ruth, our volunteer coordinator, about how you could get involved, please get in contact volunteering@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk.
-
Digital Champion Volunteers
Would you like to support an older person to learn how to safely use mobile phones, tablets and other devices, and enable them to access the benefits of an increasingly digital world? You don’t need to be an IT expert, what is key is having the patience and understanding to help someone learn new skills. If you think you could help, we’d love to hear from you.
-
Information Hub Volunteers
Could you be the welcoming face that enables an older person to seek support and advice about their concerns? If you enjoy meeting people, listening to what they have to say and helping answer peoples’ queries and problems, then volunteering at our Atrium hub at Gloucester Royal Hospital, or at our other outreach venues in the districts, could be ideal.
-
Patch-based Volunteers
Are you closely connected to your community? We’re seeking patch-based volunteers to help deliver our publications to help spread the word about the incredible support we can offer older people throughout the county. If you can spare a few hours 3 times a year volunteering in your area, we'd love to hear from you!
-
Building Connections Volunteers
Significant life transitions such as bereavement, ill health or caring commitments can result in a decline in friendships or social connections. If you like meeting new people, you could volunteer and support others to develop the confidence to re-engage in social activities, develop new interests and build new friendships.
Read our FAQ’s about Volunteering...
Why should I Volunteer?
Volunteering is great! It makes a real difference to your community and also to your own life. There are our top reasons for Volunteering:
- Helping other people is the best way to feel positive about life.
- Learn a new skill.
- Meet new people and make new friends.
- Share your skills and talents.
- Gain experience/boost your CV.
- Surprise yourself!
- Improve your mental (and physical) health.
- Push yourself outside your comfort zone.
- Give back to your local community.
- Be a part of our fantastic community, and support a cause you care about.
Can I Volunteer?
Yes! Everyone has something to offer – you just need to be over the age of 18.
How much time do I need?
It depends on what you’d like to do, and how much time you have. Some people give several hours every week and so give a couple of hours as or when required. Some of our roles require a regular time commitment and some are flexible and ad hoc. We can match your skills and availability with the opportunities we have available. Talk to us about what would work for you.
How do I get started?
Take a look at the roles listed on our website and have a think about how your experience, interests and skills could best be used. Even if you don’t see something matching that quite matches what you’re looking for, please complete our initial enquiry form and send it to volunteering@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk. Ruth will contact you to discuss your interests and how they could fit with our roles. If you both agree that a voluntary role could work for you, you will be asked to complete the second part of our application form (don’t worry, it doesn’t repeat what’s on the initial enquiry form), so that we have a better understanding of who you are, what you can offer and how we can support you to get the most out of volunteering with us.
What's the process of starting volunteering?
Following a chat with the coordinator of the project you could be joining, we would organise and pay for a Disclosure and Barring Service check to be completed, as most of our roles work with vulnerable people. Everyone involved in supporting older people with Age UK Gloucestershire has to complete some mandatory training, which ensures we keep you and the older people safe. Following this, you will meet with the coordinator to agree when you will attend your induction, what other training we will support you with and when you will begin to volunteer.
We meet with all volunteers regularly, either individually or as a project group, to understand how things are going and ensure that you are fully supported and satisfied.
How do I fundraise for Age UK Gloucestershire?
If you, your family, friends and colleagues are looking to undertake a challenge or an activity to support us, please visit Get Fundraising for ideas. Please get in touch.
Join our Volunteer Community
Get in touch with us to join our Volunteer Community!