Volunteers Week 2026

Volunteers Manager Caroline Baines says

"I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our dedicated volunteers and students on placement. You make a meaningful difference to the lives of older people in our community every single day. We are incredibly grateful for the energy, kindness and enthusiasm you bring to the charity."

Riley would definitely recommend volunteering

"I have been volunteering in the Burton Latimer charity shop for a few months. I love talking to people and have been trained in how to use the till."

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Volunteer Ann says Duke of Edinburgh students Angel and Harry have approached their roles at our Higham Ferrers charity shop with enthusiasm, growing confidence and a willingness to learn.
Carol has been volunteering at our Oundle charity shop for over three months. "I love helping out in the shop. It is great working alongside all the fabulous staff and volunteers. I really enjoy it."
Sue says the best thing about volunteering at our Burton Latimer charity shop is meeting new people and making new friends. She would definitely recommend volunteering for Age UK Northamptonshire.

Niesha has developed her communication skills and confidence during her student placement at our day centre in Northampton. She is making a positive contribution to our clients' time with us and has benefitted from working with a wide range of people.
Rani is also on student placement at our day centre in Northampton, gaining valuable insight and skills. Rani has brought fresh energy and enthusiasm, helping to create a lively welcoming atmosphere for our clients.
Alfred is on student placement at our Northampton day centre and has demonstrated a positive and approachable attitude. He has joined in activities and helped with day-to-day tasks, always willing to learn and take on new responsibilities.

Denise is a new volunteer at our Rothwell charity shop and says she is loving every minute. She has picked up the role quickly and gets stuck in - she wishes she had joined us a long time ago.
Elaine has been volunteering at our Rothwell shop for 20 years, looking after the bric-a-brac and working on the till. Her warm personality shines through and she is always happy to help.
Admin volunteer Eileen says she enjoys being useful, being part of a team and learning new skills. "Volunteering as Admin Support has improved my IT skills and given purpose to my day," she says.

Amanda and Connie have been volunteering at our Northampton charity shop for over four years. Amanda says: "It has given me so much confidence and I enjoy being out and about doing something." Connie says: "I enjoy the challenge of making money for the charity and like the company."
Chris is a longstanding Age UK Northamptonshire volunteer of nearly 14 years. As well as working in the St Giles Street charity shop he is also a Volunteer Telephone Befriender. His regular telephone calls provide vital support to a lonely older person, helping to brighten their day.
Sonia has been volunteering at our charity shop in Brackley for over 20 years. She says "It's a lovely place to volunteer and I enjoy meeting and helping the local people. It keeps me young."

Rebeca has been volunteering in the Sales and Marketing team for nearly a year, providing valuable admin support. Rebeca says: "I enjoy volunteering for Age UK Northamptonshire. It's a great way to gain experience and I enjoy meeting new people and bonding with them." Manager Roger says: "She is a real asset to the team and never lets us down."
Volunteer Nicky wanted to find something purposeful and local so she started working at our Rothwell charity shop over two years ago. She says she enjoys serving the local community and the fact that every shift is different. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to learn new skills and finds being part of a team is a great experience
Georgina, who volunteers at our Rothwell charity shops says: "The best thing about it is meeting new people and the people I work with. I have enjoyed learning new skills, especially how to display clothes on the shopfloor. Volunteering is a good idea. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming."

Paula has been volunteering for Spring in the Towcester area for over a year. She says volunteering has helped her confidence and given structure to her week. "Don't underestimate the difference your presence makes," says Paula.
Henry says: "It has been a real honour to be able to do the volunteering work with Age UK Northamptonshire in their Oundle shop. It was very easy to talk to the staff and get organised. People are kind and considerate. There are many tasks for a young person to choose, from sorting out DVDs and books, to organising shelves and swiping floors - it was a real life experience and the staff there are incredibly supportive! I would definitely recommend Age UK Northamptonshire for DofE volunteering."
Dee started volunteering in our Burton Latimer charity shop recently because she has more time and wanted to do something meaningful in the community. She enjoys speaking to customers and working on the till and also putting together the shop displays, learning new things all the time. "As a crafter it has been a bit dangerous for my budget, working in the shop. It's hard to resist some of the lovely things that are donated to the shop."

Volunteer Antonella is really interested in fashion and social media, so she is excited to 'host' a weekly feature for the Burton Latimer charity shop’s Facebook page. She has been going around the shop selecting outfits and sometimes trying them on. Shop Manager Chantelle says “We've had great fun today.”
Carol has volunteered at our Rothwell charity shop for over 11 years. "I wanted to put something back into the community," she says. "I enjoy meeting old and new customers and belonging to a team again. I enjoy being busy. Some customers tell you things they can't discuss with family."
Duke of Edinburgh students Lola and Isabelle, pictured with volunteers Louise [left] and Ann, have been contributing positively to the day-to-day running of our charity shop in Higham Ferrers. They have been sorting donations, preparing stock, merchandising and providing excellent customer service.