Volunteer Cafe Helper - Carer Cafe

Please note: We are particularly looking for volunteers in Tisbury and Whiteparish at present, but we do run cafes across Wiltshire, so if you are interested, please still get in touch! 

What are Carers Cafes? 

Carer Cafes are all about unpaid Carers connecting, having fun, laughing, and looking after their mental well-being! We want to create spaces where we support Carers in finding a great balance between caring for others and looking after themselves. 

Each group will tailor their sessions focusing on what the Carer Cafe members want to do!  

Whether this is an activity, listening to an inspiring or informative speaker or just a relaxed time with refreshments where Carers can chat, take a break, and catch up. It’s all about making it meaningful for everyone! 

What does a Cafe Helper do?  

Our Cafe Helpers will strive to create a welcoming space for unpaid Carers at a local venue, where they can relax, unwind, and take a well-deserved break from their caregiving duties! The usual tasks carried out are: 

• Team up with fellow volunteers to create a friendly space for Carers to connect and support each other, in an open environment where everyone feels welcome!  

• Greet and support new carers, helping them feel at home and encouraging them to sign up with Carers Together Wiltshire. 

• Follow our guidelines to keep all Carers safe and speak up if something seems worrying. 

• Point Carers in the right direction for Carers Together Wiltshire services and other helpful resources. 

• Keep track of Carer Cafe attendance to help us stay organised and on top of things. 

How much time do I need to Commit? 

As a Cafe Helper, we ask for a minimum commitment of 2 hours per month at a Carer Cafe, but if you’re up for it, you’re more than welcome to help at more groups throughout the month, your time and energy are always appreciated!  

Minimum monthly commitment: 2 hours 

Induction Training: Two to three hours in total 

Along with the initial training, volunteers need to join support meetings and may need to attend additional training as necessary.  We would love for you to come along to Age UK Wiltshire’s Bi-Annual get-togethers too. It’s a great chance to connect and stay updated. 

What skills do I need to have? 

We’re looking for Volunteers who are excited to create a positive, welcoming atmosphere for everyone! 

• If you’re someone who’s empathetic to the needs of unpaid Carers and are friendly, patient, reliable, and approachable, we’d love to hear from you. 

• You’ll be able to build supportive and caring relationships and make new members feel welcome, and most importantly, you’ll bring a sense of fun to everything you do! 

• Listening with empathy, especially when someone’s feeling distressed, is second nature to you – you know when to listen rather than solve. 

• It’s all about, growing together, having fun, and most importantly making a difference! 

What will I get out of Volunteering for Carers Together Wiltshire? 

• An informative induction to Carers Together Wiltshire and Age UK Wiltshire, where you'll discover all the amazing services we offer. 

• Access to 10 engaging online training courses covering essential topics like GDPR, Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Slips, Trips & Falls. 

• We’ve got you covered with out-of-pocket expenses. 

• Be part of a supportive team that helps you grow and share new ideas. 

What are the practical considerations? 

You must be 18yrs or over, prepared to undertake the training requirements and meet the time commitments in this Volunteer role profile. You will also need to be prepared for us to apply for a DBS check on your behalf.