Volunteer

Who can volunteer?

Almost anyone over the age of 18 can be a volunteer for Age UK Wolverhampton. We have a wide range of opportunities, suiting people with different skills. Please note some roles require DBS checks.  If you have recently retired, are a student, unemployed or you just want to give something back to the local community, then taking in a volunteer role with Age UK Wolverhampton could give you the experience and the satisfaction you need.

What volunteering roles are available?

We have a variety of volunteering opportunities that can suit your interests, skills and time. To find out more about the volunteering opportunities that are available, please click on the links below.

• *New* Single Point of Contact - Volunteer - providing information and advice to older people and their carers via the 'phone
• Daytime Disco Volunteer - helping to set up discos, greet attendees and warmly welcome newcomers
• Experienced Knitting/Craft Volunteer - supporting older people to socialise and take part in our knitting group activities
• Friendship Club Volunteers - helping to provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at our regular Friendship Clubs

What are the benefits to donating your time as a volunteer?

• The opportunity to socialise, meet new people and make new friends
• The feel good factor
• Build self-esteem and renew confidence

Who’s behind the voice on Wolverhampton’s Age UK Helpline?

We’re happy to share the example of one of our volunteers, Ann Evans, who answers the office telephone helpline, taking calls from people who need support or advice.

Sprightly and lively of mind, Ann is in her early 80s but you’d never guess it. She has an open, friendly manner which immediately makes you feel at home.

She first started to volunteer for Age UK Wolverhampton a year or so ago, after going with her partner on a coach trip the charity had organised. After her first morning on the help line she was such a natural they told her ‘You’re staying on the phone!’

Ann has a lifetime of experience to contribute to her volunteer job. In her early 20s she emigrated to America and worked for two years as a secretary in Chicago. Homesick for Wolverhampton she returned to the city to work in secretarial roles in retail and business before become school secretary at The Royal Wolverhampton School for fifteen years. Her working life made her realise how much she enjoyed chatting to people and helping them sort out their problems.

While working as a volunteer on the help line, Ann quickly sensed a well of loneliness among some of her callers, especially men and women who had been recently bereaved. So, on top of her help line work, she has created a ‘Buddies Club’ where she makes regular individual calls to around 30 people. Ann mentions that there’s a lot of fun in her volunteer work too, and she is always able to share a laugh with her callers. 

Driven by a lifelong spirit of service, Anne finds her greatest fulfilment in volunteering—proving that the simple act of showing up for others creates a powerful, lasting sense of personal purpose and joy

What our volunteers say

'I enjoy volunteering for Age UK Wolverhampton. I feel a part of a team and enjoy helping older people.' 

'I am very grateful to Age UK Wolverhampton for giving me the opportunity to do something good for the community and to keep busy.' 

'I enjoy my voluntary role very much. I look forward to socialising with the groups that I teach. They make me very welcome and valued.' 

'This organisation thrives because of its volunteer’s dedication to care for others. It is the standard by which all public sectors work should be undertaken.' 

'I think Age UK Wolverhampton is a very good place to volunteer. Staff members are good to work with. I feel it is the best voluntary job I have ever had.'