How do I apply to become a volunteer? Expand If you are interested in any of the volunteering roles or believe you have skills we might find useful, you can apply here. If you require a hard copy, call us on 020 8299 2623 and we will post a form to you. Application form
What will happen once I've submitted my application? Expand We aim to contact you within one working day to arrange an informal chat with a member of the volunteering team. This normally takes place online, and should last no longer than 30 minutes. The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, to discuss our volunteering roles in more detail, and to talk about how you can get involved. Once the interview is complete, you will be invited to attend one of our induction sessions. They tend to take place online from 5.30pm - 7.30pm, usually on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays. If you would prefer in-person meetings at our East Dulwich office, this can be arranged.
How long is it until I can start volunteering? Expand This varies from role to role. Once you have completed our training and screening process, you will be ready to start volunteering. We will seek to match you in a role as soon as possible, subject to demand for our services.
How old do I need to be to volunteer? Expand The minimum age for volunteering with in most roles is 18. There is no maximum age limit for volunteering with Link Age Southwark!
What skills and experience do I need? Expand For most of our volunteer roles you do not need any specific skills or experience, just a cheerful and friendly personality and a commitment to wanting to support older people in your community. If specific skills are required, this will be outlined in the individual role descriptions.
How much time do I need to give? Expand This varies from role to role. Our befriending role requires a regular hour per week commitment for a minimum of 6 months. Other roles can be more flexible and are on an as-needed basis at a time convenient to you. If there is a required time commitment, this will be outlined in the individual role descriptions.
Can I volunteer with my child? Expand You may be able to bring your children when volunteering, after discussion with the volunteer coordinator. We have some opportunities at our weekday activity groups for volunteers who would like to bring their children. If you are interested, please get in touch with the office to discuss these opportunities in more detail.
Will I need references? Expand Yes. We ask that you provide details of two referees who have known you well for at least two years and who are not a relative or partner. Ideally, one should be from a previous employer, education or volunteer organisation. You must check with each referee that they are willing to provide us with a character reference before submitting their details and let them know that we will be contacting them.
Do you provide training? Expand Yes. All new volunteers are required to attend an induction session where you will receive training to enable you to feel happy and confident to carry out your volunteering role. In addition, you will be offered appropriate training to help support you in your role as and when it is available.
Will I get expenses reimbursed? Expand Yes, we will reimburse out of pocket expenses. This includes travel costs, phone calls, meal expenses if volunteering for five+ hours in a day (up to the maximum value of £5) and other expenses. All receipts must be retained, more details are available in our policies and procedures.
Will you do a criminal record check? Expand Yes, we use the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to help assess the suitability of volunteers. We carry out different levels of checks depending on the role you wish to carry out. We will provide you with all the necessary information to complete this check and will cover the cost of the application. If you have been living outside of the UK within the last three years, you will be required to obtain a certificate of good character from the country you have been residing in.
I have a criminal record, can I volunteer? Expand For most criminal convictions, it's unlikely that this will prevent you from volunteering with us. We can discuss this with you during your screening process and make a decision based on your individual circumstances.
Will you provide me with a reference? Expand We will be happy to provide you with a reference after you have completed six months in an active volunteering role.
I have a question that's not been answered here Expand If you still have a question about volunteering, please get in touch with us via our contact form or call us on 020 8299 2623 to discuss further.