Volunteer with us

Give a little time, make a big difference.

Our volunteers are the heart of AVSED. From a chat over a brew to helping members get out and about, every hour you give helps an older person feel connected and supported. Full training and support come as standard.

AVSED volunteers together

The difference you make

Last year, our volunteers gave 11,240 hours.

That is 11,240 hours of kindness and company, touching the lives of older people and their families across Aireborough. From one hour a quarter to more than twenty hours a month, every bit of time helps.

Why volunteer

More than giving your time.

Volunteering with AVSED is about more than giving your time, it is about what you get back too. Make new friends. Learn new skills. Try something different. Build confidence. Have a laugh. Feel part of something. And most importantly, know that you have made a real difference to someone's day.

It doesn't have to take over your life. Whether you can commit to a regular weekly role, help us occasionally, or simply have a few hours to spare now and again, we can work with you to find something that fits around your life, your interests and your availability.

You don't need special experience or qualifications, just bring your personality, your time and a willingness to get involved. Come and meet us, see what we do and find your place in the AVSED family.

An AVSED volunteer with a member at the Dementia Cafe

Ways to help

Find a role that suits you.

There is a place for everyone, whatever your skills or spare time. Here are some of the ways people help out.

Befriending

A regular friendly chat, in person or over the phone, so no one feels alone.

Group and event support

Lend a hand at our groups, clubs and events, from setting up to joining in.

Transport team

Getting members to and from what's on, safely and with a friendly face.

Memory and Inclusion Support

Extra support for members in our memory and inclusion groups.

AVSEDplus Support

Helping out at our specialist dementia day service, AVSEDplus.

Newsletter Delivery

Getting our newsletter round to members' doors and saying a quick hello.

Friday Fish and Chip Delivery

Delivering a warm Friday lunch and a friendly face to members at home.

Wellbeing Group Support

Lending a hand at our wellbeing sessions, helping everyone feel at ease.

Fundraising

Helping raise the funds that keep AVSED here for older people.

Ad-hoc Support

The odd job here and there, whenever you can spare an hour.

What we offer

We look after our volunteers.

You give your time, and we make sure you get plenty back. Full support, a friendly team and the good feeling of helping older people in your own community.

  • Full support and training
  • A DBS check for roles that need one
  • Flexible hours that fit around your life
  • New friends and a warm welcome
  • The chance to learn new skills
AVSED volunteers and members together

In their words

Feedback from our volunteers.

The best people to tell you what volunteering with AVSED is like are the volunteers themselves.

I like the fact that I have roles that I really want to do, but also the option to help out elsewhere as required, without any obligation on either part.
Pete, AVSED volunteer
The amount of laughter I have with everyone, the lovely thank yous I receive, and the friendships I have made, make my volunteering so worth it.
Kim, AVSED volunteer
I like to spend time with the members and listen to their stories, or just have a chat with them, so they don't feel lonely.
Amy, AVSED volunteer
I really enjoy meeting and interacting with AVSED's lovely members. I love the feeling of helping for its own sake and getting great feedback on this. Volunteering helps my routine and sense of self-worth.
Josephine, AVSED volunteer
I volunteer to put something back into the community. I also get a great deal of satisfaction from helping and mixing with other members.
Ashley, AVSED volunteer
I volunteer to make new friends and help people.
Sandra, AVSED volunteer
I started volunteering after retiring from the NHS, and wanted to still support and care for seniors and meet new people.
Sue, AVSED volunteer
I volunteer to give something back to our community, but also to do a meaningful hobby after retirement, making use of my skills from NHS and Social Care.
Elaine, AVSED volunteer
I enjoy working with people and supporting the community. I feel I have the skills to contribute effectively as a volunteer.
Anne, AVSED volunteer

Right now

Current volunteer opportunities.

We are always glad to hear from people who want to help. Whether or not there is a named role below, get in touch and we will find something that fits.

Transport Team

Drive our adapted minibuses or our Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, taking members to and from groups. Not a driver? Join as a Passenger Assistant, helping members on and off and supporting them along the way. Driving roles need a full UK licence and age 21 or over.

Greenacre Hall and across Aireborough · From 3 hours

Befriending

Company for members who are housebound or cannot get to our groups. Visit someone at home or have a regular telephone chat, building a real connection so they feel part of their community and know they are not on their own.

Members' homes in Aireborough · Up to 1 hour a week

AVSEDplus

Support members through the day at our dementia activity service, working alongside our dementia-trained staff. Friendship, encouragement and company for members, and valuable respite for their families.

Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays · 3 hour shifts

Variety Club

Our weekly social club, from quizzes and bingo to singers and guest speakers. Help set up the room, serve drinks, prepare quiz questions, take the microphone, or simply give every member the warm welcome we are known for.

Every Tuesday afternoon · 3 hours 30 minutes

Kitchen Support

Help our Cook make nutritious, home-cooked food for members, and keep our 5 star hygiene rating. You do not need to be a skilled cook, just keen and ready to get stuck in. Prep, serving lunches, washing up and keeping things tidy.

Thursdays or Fridays · 10am to 3.30pm

Men's Matters

Our men's group meets twice a month at a venue in Yeadon for a drink and a proper catch up. We are after friendly volunteers who are happy to chat, meet and greet members as they arrive and help give everyone a warm welcome.

2nd and 4th Wednesday · 2 hours 15 minutes

Volunteer enquiry

Apply to volunteer.

Complete our volunteer enquiry form and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch with you shortly. Prefer to talk? Call us on 0113 250 1702.

    Join the team

    Ready to volunteer?

    If you have ever thought about doing something that matters, this is your moment. We would love to hear from you.

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