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Volunteer with us

Make a difference for older people

Volunteers are an important part of our work and help us make a difference to older people across the UK.

There are many ways to get involved. You might support our frontline services, represent us at community events, help raise awareness, support fundraising activities, contribute to research, or use your skills and experience in one of our other volunteer roles.

Whatever role you choose, your contribution helps us work towards a safer future for older people and ensure that abuse, harm and exploitation in later life are recognised and addressed.

What can you expect as a volunteer?

We want volunteering with us to be a positive, rewarding and well-supported experience.

As a volunteer, you can expect:

A warm welcome and clear induction – we'll introduce you to our organisation, the work we do and how your role contributes to it.
Training for your role – you'll receive appropriate training and information to help you carry out your role confidently and safely.
A named point of contact – you'll know who you can go to for support, guidance or questions.
Ongoing support – we'll keep in touch with you and provide opportunities to discuss how your volunteering is going.
Clear roles and boundaries – we'll make sure you understand your responsibilities and what you can expect from us.
A supportive environment – your wellbeing matters to us, particularly where your volunteering brings you into contact with sensitive or difficult issues.
Opportunities to learn and develop – volunteering can help you develop new skills, build confidence, meet new people and gain valuable experience.
Recognition and appreciation – we value the time, skills and commitment our volunteers give and will celebrate the contribution you make.

Ways you can get involved

Our volunteers support our work in many different ways. Depending on the opportunities available, you could be:

Supporting our services
Helping us provide information and support to older people and those concerned about them.

Getting involved in your community
Representing us at community events, information stands, awareness days and local activities, helping more people understand the issues affecting older people.

Supporting events and campaigns
Helping us deliver events and campaigns that raise awareness of abuse, harm and exploitation in later life.

Fundraising
Supporting fundraising activities and helping us generate vital funds to continue our work.

Contributing to research
Using your skills, knowledge or experience to support research, gather information and help us improve understanding of the issues affecting older people.

Sharing your skills
Bringing your professional, practical or creative skills to a volunteer opportunity where they can make a difference.

What we ask from you

treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect;
share our commitment to protecting and supporting older people;
maintain appropriate confidentiality and boundaries;
complete the training required for their role;
follow our policies and procedures;
communicate with us and ask for guidance when needed; and
make the agreed commitment to their volunteer role wherever possible.

Individual volunteer roles may have additional requirements, which will always be clearly explained before you apply.

What happens when you apply?

We want to make joining us straightforward and welcoming.

1. Explore our opportunities
Take a look at our current volunteer roles and find an opportunity that interests you.

2. Apply
Complete our application form and tell us a little about yourself, your interests and why you'd like to volunteer with us.

3. Talk to us
We'll arrange an informal conversation to discuss the role, what you're looking for from volunteering and answer any questions you have.

4. Complete any relevant checks
Depending on the role, we may need references or appropriate background checks. We'll explain what is required.

5. Induction and training
You'll receive an induction and any training relevant to your volunteer role.

6. Start volunteering
You'll join us with a named point of contact and ongoing support throughout your volunteering journey.

Find the right opportunity for you

Whether you want to support older people directly, get involved in your local community, help at events, fundraise, contribute to research or share your skills, there are different ways to make a difference.

Explore our current opportunities and find the role that's right for you.