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Volunteering

 

What are Community Companions?

The Community Companions service is an easy way for you to simply be there for someone.

You can use your charm, chat or simply your company to help people feel confident and remain independent by keeping them connected with others.

In some cases, when English is not their first language, you can help by speaking to someone in their mother tongue, if you happen to have that skill.

No two Community Companions services and activities are the same. It depends on the needs and wants of the local community, which means you can find the volunteer opportunity that’s right for you.

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How Community Companions can make a difference

It’s often the case that simply just being there for someone can make a huge difference.

When someone is feeling a bit lonely or needs support, as a Community Companion you can brighten their day. It could involve being there for someone for a few weeks or longer and could include any number of activities, including:

  • Calling in for a cup of tea and a chat
  • Changing the batteries in a remote control
  • Popping to the shops
  • Walking their dog
  • Reading the post
  • Bilingual and multilingual volunteers can help to support people by chatting to them in their own language
  • Or anything else you would call on a friend to help with.

Older people living alone are particularly at risk of loneliness, isolation and malnutrition. By offering practical help you can provide them with much-needed companionship as well as making sure that they are safe and well. Our community transport service also helps people to get out and about.

It’s worth remembering that volunteers don't get involved in medical matters, such as giving medicines, providing personal care, bathing or dressing. As a volunteer, you won’t do anything that might put you or the person you’re seeing at risk.

Find out more about what you can expect

 

Helping your talent shine

Whether you’re volunteering for the first time or you’ve done it before, it’s important that you get all the help and support you need so that your skills can make a difference.

You can either volunteer as part of an existing service or start your own Community Companion group.

You’ll probably be nervous in your first few weeks and you won’t know how anything works. Don’t worry, we have a great deal of experience to share. As a new volunteer you’ll receive a full induction which will ensure that you know exactly what to expect.

We’ll give you a few do`s and don’ts that we’ve learnt along the way as well as a toolkit to guide you through the process and one-to-one guidance whenever you need it.

You’ll have access to people that have been doing the same volunteering role for some time. They’ll provide you with plenty of tips to make your volunteering experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

It’s important that you gain as much from your voluntary role as the people you come into contact with. Our volunteers choose to join us for many different reasons, but ultimately we hope you’re able to share your talents and skills in a way that works for you.

 

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"She asks me to read to her but we always end up just talking!"
John, Community Companions volunteer, London
John’s career in the oil industry took him all over the world. He uses his talent in languages when visiting Stella who is from Spain.
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"You don't have to be “skilled” skilled. Every little thing can help. If you can make a decent cup of tea, that will help as well"
Preeti, Lunch Club Volunteer, Rickmansworth
As a home-worker, Preeti enjoys the chance to get out into the community, talking to people and listening to the stories they have to tell.
Volunteer now