Are you recruiting volunteers during the pandemic?

Yes, at the start of the pandemic Age Connects was inundated with requests for help with shopping, collecting prescriptions and telephone contact during periods of lockdown. Because of the high levels of demand we laxed the need to commit to six months of support but saying that many volunteers that joined us during this period many remained.

Because we take the health and safety of our clients and volunteers seriously we have had to suspend many of our volunteering opportunities to ensure people’s safety but when restrictions are lifted we will where possible reinstate those opportunities working with in government guidelines.

I know I want to volunteer but I’m not sure what I want to do?

Some volunteering opportunities require more commitment, responsibility and experience than others. Think about what interests you, what you are good at and what skills you want to make use of and develop?  Read through the list of our volunteering opportunities and see what jumps out at you. Alternatively, contact the named person for the project you are interested in to have a chat.

How much time do I need to give as a volunteer?

This really is up to you. It is often better to start with a small commitment and gradually take on more. Usually, our volunteer roles require a minimum of 2 hours a week (including travel time) but we also have flexible roles available to fit in with your other commitments.

For most roles, Age Connects does ask for a minimum of 6 months time commitment from you but there is flexibility with other volunteer roles.

I’m working full-time.  Will I still be able to volunteer?

For many of our roles you can only volunteer during office hours. However, depending on what you want to do you can volunteer in the evening or at weekends

I am a student in my final year; can I volunteer with Age Connects?

 Although we are always happy to consider applications from all students, the   volunteering process can take a while before a volunteer can actually start.  This means that it is difficult to place students in their final year especially after the Christmas break. With holidays and exam periods, we find that there is not much time left for final year students to volunteer with us.  However, if you are planning to stay in Cardiff after your studies and would like to continue to volunteer with us then we may be able to place you.

I am under 18 can I volunteer with Age Connects?

Yes, but only in limited roles within the organisation.  As somebody under 18 you are classed as a ‘vulnerable group’ so we have to take certain precautions to protect you.  

Is there an upper age limit on volunteering?

No, we have volunteers of all ages.

I have a criminal record can I still volunteer with Age Connects?

Most of our volunteering roles require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.  The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 requires you to inform us of any unspent convictions. Some volunteering roles require declaring spent convictions. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from volunteering with Age Connects.

I am on benefits can I still volunteer?

You are free to volunteer while you are receiving benefits as long as the work you do is unpaid and you meet the rules of your benefit.  Volunteering shouldn’t affect your right to benefits as long as the only money you receive is to cover your volunteering expenses. Always check with your benefits adviser before you start volunteering.

I have just moved to the UK from abroad can I volunteer?

If your volunteer role requires a Disclosure and Barring check then ideally we require you to have been in the UK for a year before you can start volunteering with us.

What are Age Connects looking for from volunteers?

There are some key skills that we think all volunteers working with older people should have. These include being:

• A good communicator and a good listener
• Respectful of client confidentiality
• Reliable
• Trustworthy
• Courteous
• Responsible
• Empathic

We also ask that volunteers adhere to the guidelines we set out in our Volunteer Policy and are committed to keeping in contact and letting us know how things are going in their volunteer role.

What should I expect as a volunteer?  

• An induction where you are told about the organisation and its policies. This will cover health and safety, what to do if you have a problem and an introduction to other staff and volunteers.

• You will be told who your Volunteer Manager is and how to contact them. This is the person who you can go to with any problems or training to be able to carry out your role. The exact nature of the training you receive will depend on the role.

• You will receive ongoing support and supervision, to make sure you are happy in the role and know where to go if any problems should aris

• You will also be treated equally, regardless of your gender, race, age, faith/religion, disability or sexual orientati

Will volunteering cost me anything?

Age Connects believes that volunteers should not be left out of pocket whilst giving their time for free. We provide out of pocket expenses (e.g. bus fare and mileage)

Can I leave if I don’t like it?

Yes, of course.  You are under no formal obligation to keep volunteering if you don’t want to. Please talk to us first though and let us know why you feel your volunteer role isn’t working for you and what we could do to improve your time as a volunteer.

How long will it be before I can start volunteering?

Recruiting a volunteer can take a while depending on how long it takes for your references to arrive, completing your Disclosure and Barring check and attending your Induction and any project specific training.  Please be patient with us and let your referees know that they will be receiving a reference request and to respond promptly.