Volunteering
Age UK Merton relies on volunteers to help us offer vital services in the local community. We need your help!
Volunteering is a fantastic way of meeting new people, developing new skills, making the most of your abilities and doing something worthwhile within your community.
We have a range of volunteering opportunities available within our organisation, starting from as little as an hour a week - whether you would like to be based at our centre in Mitcham, or by supporting our work out in the community.
Volunteering is a great way to help make a difference to the lives of older people in Merton while learning or developing skills and meeting new people as you support our work.
Check out some of the below opportunities:
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Connect and Befriend Befriender
Our Volunteer Befrienders offer friendship and a listening ear to people in Merton who feel socially isolated. In general, Volunteer Befrienders visit or meet with their clients once a week and help by providing companionship to those who have limited contact with others. Find out how you can help
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Gardener Volunteer
We are looking for an enthusiastic and green fingered person to join our gardening team. We have had a vacancy come up for our volunteer gardening team who look after the award-winning gardens at our building at Age UK Merton. The team meet on a Monday between 10-1pm if you are interested, please make contact to discuss.
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Activity Centre Volunteer - Leaflet distribution
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping us with the distribution of our leaflets around Merton.
Once a quarter we create a what's on leaflet with details of our activities and events and we distribute this around Merton to doctors surgeries, libraries, notice boards and anywhere that we think clients may pick up a leaflet to learn more about what we offer at Age UK Merton.
Who can volunteer?
Almost anyone can be a volunteer. We have a wide range of roles which suit different people, skills and time commitments
You must be over 18, live or work in the London Borough of Merton and be able to volunteer without children or pets. You must also be prepared to attend a face-to-face interview with one of the volunteering team members during office hours, undergo a full DBS check, and attend training where appropriate.
Will there be ongoing support once I have started my role?
All volunteers receive ongoing support from the coordinator for the project that they are volunteering for, and are encouraged to contact the coordinator with any worries, concerns or questions. Volunteers also receive invitations to our events, including our annual volunteer party, optional specialist training sessions and other social events.
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. We are currently looking for people who can dedicate a few hours during the day Monday to Friday. Please note that we have limited options for weekend volunteering and currently no options for evening volutneering.
What can volunteering offer me?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and support your local community. Our volunteering service is exceptionally run by a team of dedicated individuals, determined to match you with the best volunteer role which suits your schedule and needs. We offer a range of services to support older people to live independent, enjoyable and fulfilling lives. You will be helping some of the most isolated and vulnerable older adults in Merton
Find out what some of our volunteers have to say
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Councillor Brenda Fraser - Befriender and Centre Volunteer "Volunteering is very important (...) there is a lot to learn and you gain a lot from volunteering. As I have grown older, you end up learning from others. You get to know about different communities; (by volunteering) you are doing geography, history and language. You are constantly learning by developing listenting skills. It encourages us to communicate properly and realise that we are all human." |
Valerie - Befriender"As you meet people who have been through at least one world war you find they have all had good and bad times but survived. I like to make people laugh, either at me or with me, as I believe laughing is good for your mental health. My befriendee and I have a lot in common and get on like a house on fire" |
Erica - Centre Volunteer, 96"I started volunteering 40 years ago and I still enjoy it. I was one of the first volunteer workers at Age UK Merton. I just enjoy helping people! I often say to people, "just do it" rather than being sat at home and second guessing themselves. It helps you but it also helps other people. I love all the people who come here." |
