Volunteering

What do we need volunteers for?

Do you want to:

• give something back to the community?
• meet people and make new friends?
• learn new skills?
• contribute to the welfare of older people in Oldham?
• gain experience with older people?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then why not come and join us - be a volunteer with Age Concern Oldham!

We need volunteers in a number of areas:

Carers Our day centres enable older people to enjoy a day away from their home. Volunteer duties involve social tasks such as talking with users and participating in activities aimed at creating a supportive atmosphere. Also assist with operational tasks such as making tea and serving meals.	Shop Assistants Our shops sell donated items such as bric-a-brac and books. Volunteer shop assistants are involved in all aspects of shop work including sorting a pricing of donated goods, preparing items for sale, assisting in window dressing and helping to keep the shop clean and tidy.
Drivers Volunteer drivers work in all areas of Age Concern Oldham. They work between 9.00am and 5.00pm, collecting older people from their homes, and taking them to day centres / luncheon clubs. At approximately 3.00pm, they return the older people to their homes, and then ensure the vehicle is returned and locked up for the evening. Drivers can also be involved in collecting donations for the shops.	Befrienders The Befriending Service provides company for many older people who are lonely and isolated. A volunteer befriender will visit older people in their own homes on a regular basis, providing a watchful eye on the more vulnerable members of the community. Friendships develop, interests are shared, and there are opportunities to socialise at our organised get togethers.
Care home befrienders The Care Home Befriending Service provides company for many older people who are lonely and have no visitors. A volunteer befriender will visit older people within Care Homes on a regular basis. Friendships develop, interests are shared, and the quality of life of the older person is enhanced.	Lifestory Lifestory is spending time getting to know an older person living within a care home and recording their memories. We have an example (fictional) Lifestory available online.
Administrators / insurance arrangers Age Concern Oldham provides a wide range of insurance for older people. Working from our Oldham office, volunteers get involved in all aspects of insurance work, from processing of policies and claim forms, to dealing with general advice queries.	Luncheon club volunteers Luncheon Clubs provide a hot meal and social contact for older people. Volunteers work between 11:00am - 2:00pm and get involved by way of setting tables, helping to serve meals, talking to the guests, clearing up, and generally helping to make the afternoon an enjoyable one.
Leisure and friendship hosts Age Concern Oldham offers a range of activities for those who are 50+. The volunteers help by meeting and greeting people on arrival to make them feel welcome. They also help to provide refreshments at intervals.	Project Support Project Support volunteers are involved in all aspects of Age Concern Oldham Community Work - i.e. assisting the Co-ordinator with Community based projects, along with office support.
Living Choices Living Choices offers information and support to help older people live safely and independently in their own homes. Volunteers assist the project workers in a variety of ways, including accompanying clients when they start new activities, and helping with project administration.	Falls & injury prevention scheme The Falls & Injury Prevention Scheme aims to improve balance and co-ordination in older people. Volunteers for this service help to provide a friendly, supportive atmosphere, and assist the exercise instructor where necessary. Volunteers help to set up the room, take a register, serve drinks, and wait with the class until their transport collects them.

What do we need volunteers to be?

We need volunteers to be:

• people who are sympathetic to the needs of older people
• people who respect the dignity of older people friendly people who can be supportive
• people who can respect confidentiality
• people who are willing to learn new skills
• people who can commit themselves to a few hours a week or fortnight

What do we offer to volunteers?

We offer you:

• initial and on-going training
• payment of out of pocket expenses
• regular support and supervision
• a chance to meet people and learn new skills
• involvement in the care of older people

How to apply

If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer for Age Concern Oldham, please telephone us on 0161 633 0213 or email info@oldham-ageconcern.co.uk