Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, gain experience, give something back and support the work we do in the community. Many Volunteers find their roles very rewarding.

Almost anyone over 18 can volunteer with us. We have a wide range of roles which suit different people and different skills.

We need Volunteers in a variety of roles across the whole of Somerset and North Somerset.  We hope you can find an opportunity to suit you.

Whether you have retired and want to try something new, want to give something back to the community, want to meet new people, or have just begun your career and want experience of working with older people, volunteering could be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience for you. The Volunteers who responded to our Annual Volunteers Questionnaire say they really enjoy it!

Some of our volunteering opportunities are flexible; you can choose how much time you would like to give, others require a regular commitment. We hope there will be something to suit everyone's availability. 

• Our Information and Advice service changes in response to the needs of local older people. If there is a case in your area, we will contact you and you will be able to choose whether or not to take it.
• Our Active Befriending and Ageing Well roles require a regular committment of an hour or so a week. 

All Age UK Somerset Volunteers receive Induction training. In addition further specific role training is carried out on a regular basis where appropriate.  Continuous help, advice and support are happily given by the staff at Age UK Somerset and there will be plentiful opportunities to meet and talk to your fellow Volunteers.

In summary:

• we ask you to complete an application form in which we ask for references.
• Once these have been returned we will contact you to complete a DBS form if necessary.
• After this has come back clear you will be invited to attend an Induction Event, where all volunteers receive relevant information and have the opportunity to raise questions eg, about travel expenses claims, ID badges etc.
• Depending on which service you join, you may have an induction period during which training is more intensive, or regular updates as often as necessary, and you may go on visits with an established volunteer.
• You will also receive a Volunteers Handbook which contains all the information that you might need and our rules and guidelines. 

It is vital that everyone involved with Age UK Somerset acts in a professional manner and understands the requirement for firm policies about such things as confidentiality and safety, and the procedures to follow that ensure smooth-running services, with the minimum of complications.  

If you would like more information please fill in the form below or contact Age UK Somerset on 01823 345627 or email volunteers@ageuksomerset.org.uk.

If you have already decided to apply please contact us to ask for the Application form to fill in. We will send our application pack to you in the post or by email, whichever you prefer. We always apply for references, and some posts require a DBS Certificate (formerly CRB). 

You will have a chance to meet the Service Manager for the service that interests you for an informal interview once we have received your references, to make sure both sides are happy to go forward. However, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions in the meantime.