Volunteer

Volunteering opportunities at Age Concern Barnet are stimulating, interesting and wide ranging.  Without the invaluable help of our volunteers we could not provide many of our services. 

People of all ages choose to volunteer with Age Concern. Volunteering can be a way of maintaining skills post retirement, or learning new skills whilst making a positive contribution to the community. It is often fun and always worthwhile. 

We are currently looking for people to:

• Assist in our day centres as administrators, receptionists and carers, helping to enrich the lives of those who attend.
• Help provide advice to older people over the telephone or in person and to help them fill in forms.
• Befriend housebound elderly people throughout the borough of Barnet.
• Teach and help older people to use a computer and the internet.
• Provide assisted access to the internet and computer resources for older people.
• Join our intergenerational project, where older volunteers work with children in need of extra support in schools and other settings.
• Take photographs of people and events. 
• Help run exercise classes throughout the borough.
• Use their specialist skills in IT, fundraising, gardening. 
• Assist people with shopping.
• Maintain information displays in local libraries.

Click here to download our volunteer application form.

Who can be a volunteer?
Providing you are able and willing to follow Age Concern procedures and policies, we can find you a task that matches your interests and abilities and we have the means to support you in that role, you can be a volunteer. If you are of school age, you will need the permission and support of your guardian.

How do I become a volunteer?
You will need to download, complete and return the relevant sections of the volunteer application form. Do ensure that you give us the details of two referees who are not family members and are of professional standing. If your circumstances mean that you are unable to provide current references, ring us to discuss this. If you are unable to dowload the form, please email to request a form. If you let us know your specific areas of interest, we can also email other relevant information.

Once the form is returned to us and your references successfully obtained, you will be contacted to arrange a face to face interview with a volunteer coordinator. At this interview we will complete the application form and go through the volunteer induction procedures, handbook, relevant policies and task descriptions. You will then sign the application form. Your training needs will be agreed and a place offered on a training module if one is available. At this point, you may also be introduced to those who you will be working with. If there is insufficient time, a second interview can be arranged. Once your general induction has been completed you will need to sign a Volunteer Agreement.

Those volunteers who will be working on a one to one basis with vulnerable adults such as befrienders will need to see the fact sheet on that service. At the time of the interview they will also need to bring along a list of documents mentioned on this sheet so we can complete a Criminal Records Bureau check application form.

Will I need to take time off work to attend an interview, training or supervision session?
Generally we should be able to work around your availability.

How long will it take between interview and my starting work?
This will depend on the individual role(s) you take up. Most roles have their own job descriptions and training package. Some will involve on-the-job training, allowing you to start immediately. Other positions will require more training or there may be a waiting period before placement. While you are waiting you may wish to try your hand at something else. 

What happens if I my circumstances change or I don’t enjoy the work I do?
There is a month’s trial period for all volunteers. Your mentor and volunteer supervisor are there to discuss any problems and issues with you. If the problems cannot be resolved you may wish to try another role and you are free to finish volunteering at any point, but please keep us informed at all points. 

Will it cost me anything to volunteer?
Age Concern Barnet will pay the cost of your Criminal Records Bureau check and training.  We will also reimburse you for any agreed out of pocket expenses, such as travel costs. 

What happens if I cannot fulfill one of my duties on any given occasion?
You will need to let your supervisor and colleagues know as soon as possible. In some cases we have volunteers who will cover for others.

Click here to download a volunteer application form.  If you have any further questions, please email Sian Jones, Development Manager or ring her at the Ann Owens Centre on 020 8432 1416 or on 07505 089 129.  Alternatively, you can contact Loraine Simmons at the Meritage Centre on 020 8150 0962.