Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your community and gain new skills. By offering your time you will make a real difference to the lives of local older people.
All you need is enthusiasm and a bit of time and we will provide the rest!
Who can volunteer?
Anyone who is over the age of 16 with time to spare is welcome to apply to be a volunteer. Our volunteers are as diverse as the community we serve, ranging in age from 16 to 92. Some roles (such as befriending) require a regular weekly commitment, wheras others are on a more casual basis.
All volunteers occupy a position of trust and, since much of our work is with people who are vulnerable, we use the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to help us to ensure their safety and wellbeing. This means that, as well as providing references, you will be asked to show some forms of identification to verify the details you give. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from volunteering with us.
Please contact our volunteering team at volunteer@aukc.org.uk for further information.
Volunteer Experiences
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Jo - Shopping Volunteer I started volunteering during Covid as I remember feeling a need to act even though it was scary. Age UK was helping lots of isolated elderly people with food and it felt like a good practical thing to do, it also gave me a focus. I get a lot out of volunteering. I work with a lovely team and particularly enjoy the personal contact with people. There is nothing quite like making someone smile it really makes a difference to me. Volunteering has enhanced my confidence, taught me the value of speaking up and the importance of commitment. It has also opened doors to other volunteering organisations via the connections and networking opportunities I have had. |
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Tim – I&A Volunteer I started volunteering during the pandemic. It was a godsend as it got me out of the flat and gave me a purpose. I moved on to being and Information & Advice volunteer as I wanted to use my skills as a lawyer. I get satisfaction when a grant application is successful, and the client is grateful as they could not do it alone. A particular success was helping the digitally excluded reclaim their government rebate on their rates last year. I do help with other projects driving the minibus for the Memory Café, and the Activities Group including leading local walks. It would be nice if more people volunteered with I&A as the demand is high. |
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Alba – Befriending Volunteer I started volunteering during Covid mostly because people were alone with no social connection. It was older people this affected the most, it made me think of my grandpa. I contacted Age UK and started to help with walking support and then befriending. I really like helping people and giving my time, putting a smile on people’s faces. I could see how much they valued my time, and I also learnt a great deal from them. I remember one of my first meetings, the person was quite shy but as time passed, we built a rapport and he said that he couldn’t wait for my next visit. |
What else you can do to support us
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Take part in a fundraiser
Could you help us to raise vital funds by taking part in a fundraising event? We have regular events such as sponsored walks, but you could also do your own fundraiser like a cake sale.
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Get your colleagues involved
Could you talk to your colleagues or your employer about how you can support us? We have lots of ideas for how organisations can get involved, including sponsoring an event, making us Charity of the Year, or donating equipment.