Volunteering
What about volunteering with us?
Will I enjoy it?
Whether you have retired and want to try something new, want to give something back to the community, 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.
How much time will it take?
Most of our services are delivered in people's homes, so the timing of the work is a matter to be negotiated between you and your client for your mutual convenience. Some services allow you to dip in and out, others require a regular commitment. We also have opportunities to volunteer in our retail shops and there are more details about this on our "shops" page. Click here to visit our shops page. We hope there will be something to suit everyone's availability.
Will I be properly supported?
You will be joining a large and growing team of volunteers delivering services directly to older people throughout the county. In return for your valuable time and commitment, you can expect good quality support from staff, news and views in “Volunteer Voice”, training opportunities and a chance to meet other volunteers and give feedback to staff.
What's the procedure?
When you start, you will be invited to attend a Foundation Day training event, where all volunteers receive information on best practice in confidentiality and communication. You will also have a chance to go through 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 the rules and guidelines you need to ensure the clients you help receive the maximum care and benefit from your efforts. It is vital that everyone involved with Age Concern 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.
I'd like to find out more
If you would like more information and a chat about the services that particularly interest you, please telephone 0845 6434710 or e-mail volunteers@ageconcernsomerset.org.uk Alternatively, give us your details by filling in the boxes below and we will contact you.
If you have already decided to apply, ask us for an Application and Equality and Diversity forms to fill in. We will send them in the post. You will have a chance to meet the Service Manager for the service that interests you for an informal interview to make sure both sides are happy to go forward. We always apply for references, and some posts require Criminal Records Checks.
We very much hope you will decide to join us at Age Concern Somerset and find challenges, comradeship, new skills and a sense of achievement.
Thank you for your interest in our work.