Social Club Volunteers
Email: clubs@ageukreading.org.uk
Telephone: 0118 950 2480
Help make someone's favourite day of the week
Imagine walking into a room filled with friendly faces, laughter over a cup of tea, lively conversation and people enjoying activities together. For many of our members, that's exactly what our Clubs provide every week.
Our Clubs are much more than somewhere to spend a few hours. They give older people the opportunity to make friends, stay active, build confidence and feel connected to their local community. For many, attending their club is the highlight of their week.
As a volunteer, you'll help make those moments happen. Whether you're welcoming members, sharing a conversation over lunch or encouraging someone to join in an activity, you'll be making a real difference to someone's day.
About our Clubs
We run a variety of friendly clubs across Reading, Caversham, and Woodley, including:
Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) Dementia Clubs
Our MCST Clubs are for people living with mild to moderate dementia. MCST is an NHS-approved, evidence-based programme designed to help maintain cognitive abilities, improve wellbeing and encourage meaningful social interaction through enjoyable activities. Sessions include quizzes, games, music, creative activities, discussion and reminiscence, all delivered in a warm and supportive environment.
“I feel so lucky that my mother is part of the MCST Club run by Age UK Reading. It’s a part of her week when I know she is safe and well cared for. Her comfort and wellbeing as a new member have clearly been a priority for the staff and volunteers. She simply loves going to the club, which I was very nervous about before signing up. Ladies, you are amazing. Thank you so much for looking after and entertaining my mum. You’ve filled a hole I didn’t realise needed filling.” – Family Member of MCST Client
STAR Club
A welcoming social club for people living with long-term health conditions, offering companionship, stimulating activities and the opportunity to spend time with others in a friendly, welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.
“I feel as though I want to look forward now. Before it was just sort of ticking a day off one day at a time. But now I look forward to the week, I look forward to STAR. It’s given me a more positive outlook on life.” – A STAR Club Client
Pop In Coffee Morning
Our Pop In Coffee Morning is a relaxed, friendly place to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, fun activities, good conversation and plenty of laughter while meeting new people and catching up with friends.
Becoming a Clubs Volunteer
Our Clubs simply couldn't run without our volunteers. They are at the heart of every session, helping members feel welcomed, included and confident to take part. Many of our volunteers build genuine friendships with the people they support and tell us they get just as much out of volunteering as our members do.
You'll volunteer alongside one of our experienced Club Facilitators and a friendly team of volunteers. No previous experience is necessary. If you enjoy meeting people and want to make a difference, we'll support you every step of the way.
Typical volunteering sessions are:
- 9.30am – 12.00pm (Pop In)
- 10.00am – 2.00pm (MCST Dementia Clubs)
- 1.00pm – 4.30pm (STAR Club)
depending on the club you choose.
What will I be doing?
No two sessions are ever the same. One week you might be helping with a quiz, another week supporting an arts and crafts activity, enjoying live music, flower arranging, celebrating a member's birthday or simply sharing conversation over a cup of tea.
You may also help with:
- Welcoming members as they arrive
- Setting up the room, including tables and chairs
- Preparing and serving refreshments
- Supporting members to take part in activities
- Encouraging conversation and social interaction
- Helping clear away at the end of the session
Most importantly, you'll be helping create a warm, friendly environment where everyone feels welcome, included and valued.
“STAR Club has made a real difference to me. I’ve been down in the dumps for months but now I’ve got something to get up for!” – STAR Club Member.
What we're looking for
We're looking for people who are:
- Friendly, patient and approachable
- Reliable and committed
- Compassionate and respectful towards older people
- Good listeners with strong communication skills
- Happy working as part of a team
- Willing to learn and support others
No previous experience is necessary. Successful applicants complete an informal interview, induction, online training and an enhanced DBS check. Once you begin volunteering, you'll receive plenty of ongoing support and guidance from your Club Facilitator, fellow volunteers and the Clubs Co-Ordinator. We'll help you build your confidence in the role, so you won't be expected to know everything from day one.
A weekly commitment
We ask volunteers to support the same club each week wherever possible. Having familiar faces is incredibly important for our members, particularly those living with dementia, helping them feel comfortable, confident and settled.
It also gives you the opportunity to build genuine friendships and become someone that members look forward to seeing each week.
Why volunteer with us?
People volunteer for lots of different reasons, and whatever yours is, we'd love to welcome you to the team.
By volunteering with our Clubs you can:
- Make a genuine difference to older people's lives
- Help reduce loneliness and social isolation
- Become part of a friendly and supportive team
- Meet new people and build lasting friendships
- Gain experience in health, social care or dementia support
- Learn new skills and build confidence
- Give something back to your local community
- Spend a few rewarding hours each week doing something that really matters
Our volunteers regularly tell us that they leave each session with a smile and that volunteering is one of the most rewarding parts of their week.
“I look forward to volunteering every week, the atmosphere is always so warm and welcoming. Being greeted with an ‘aren’t you just lovely?’ first thing always brings a smile to my face, and it’s so rewarding to hear everyone sharing stories and joking with each other.” – Pavan, MCST Dementia Club volunteer.
Interested in joining our team?
Every conversation shared, every cup of tea served and every smile encouraged can brighten someone's day.
If you have a few hours to spare each week and would like to become part of a friendly team making a real difference to older people in your community, we'd love to hear from you.
To find out more or arrange an informal chat, please contact us:
Email: clubs@ageukreading.org.uk
Telephone: 0118 950 2480
Thank you for considering volunteering with Age UK Reading. Together, we can help older people stay connected, supported and able to enjoy later life.