Volunteer Telford

As a call companion, you will make regular telephone calls to an older person experiencing loneliness and isolation.

These calls provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated.

Over time, you and the older person you have been matched with will get to know each other well and together you will spend many hours full of fun, laughter and stories.

As a Lead Volunteer, you will assist the shop manager in leading, managing and planning for the development of a shop team.

We’ll give you ongoing training and support to get you ready to lead a shift, train your team, and be left in charge.

Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

At Oxfam, we believe in empowering you by giving you training and opportunities to learn new skills, develop old skills, and make the most out of your time with us.

For this key role, you don’t need to have any leadership or retail experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

As a Lead Volunteer you’ll make a big difference while you develop your own skills that boost your confidence. In this role, we’ll support you to:

Effectively delegate responsibilities and coach individuals and teams

Improve your communication skills in this customer-facing role

Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome

Follow important policies around safeguarding, Health and Safety, and trading regulations

Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. Training to be a Lead Volunteer can take anything from a few weeks to several months – everyone goes at the pace that’s right for them.

If you’re not sure about this role but want to start as a standard volunteer, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.

Trustees are required to join the existing Forum Management Committee responsible for the overall governance of the charity, which supports people over 50. They help to design services and evaluate delivery and there's an opportunity to get more involved.

Aged over 50. Must be available for most board meetings and some events, and have an interest in older people's issues and commitment to the aims of the charity. Volunteers need to be able to commit for a minimum of one year.

To assist  and support staff in planning, delivery and evaluation of the service provided and other events as appropriate.

Facilitate planned play activities and encourage parents and carers to actively participate in their children’s play and learning.

Assist in the preparation of the venue.

Welcome and introduce parents, carers and children to the session (the ‘meet and greet’ role) and support with the conclusion of the session.

Assist in tidying up during and after the session and encourage parents, carers and children to be actively involved.

Assist in maintaining a safe environment at all times.

Inform Donnington Community Hub at the earliest opportunity, should they be unable to attend a session or event.

Work within the policies and procedures of Children and Family Early Help Telford & Wrekin Council, with particular reference to Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Equality and Diversity, and Health and Safety.