We have been recruiting volunteers to work in our care homes for older people in York since January 2005. This page gives you a flavour of the sort of activities that volunteers and residents have been doing together, and how both parties benefit from this interaction. We are always looking to expand our bank of volunteers so if you would like to find out more about how to get involved don't hesitate to contact us. The type of work and time commitment are very flexible so chances are there would be something to suit you.

Latest news and events

York 50+ festival

Coming up is an exciting opportunity for residents and volunteers to get involved in a city wide initiative organised by York Older People's Association. The York 50+ festival is being organised to coincide with the International Old Person's day. The aim is to demonstrate that York's older population is still active and attractive.

Sea-side day

The Oaks hosted a Sea-Side Day for residents and staff to celebrate the summer season in style. On Monday, 1 August everyone was encouraged to put on sea-side wear and join in with the fun and games.

Tea tasting session

The University of York's Tea Society visited Lamel Beeches at the end of June to organise a free tea tasting session for the residents. About 20 residents enjoyed the exotic teas and the friendly chats provided by 10 members of the TeaSoc.

To download the latest Volunteer Newsletter click here

Opportunities - Latest

• Minibus Driver
• Helpers for York 50+ festival
• IT Instructors
• Befriender to visit resident and play simple games in the afternoon

Ongoing

• Befriender
• Reader
• Piano Player

Become a Volunteer…

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, we'd love to hear from you. Please call 01904 750700 or email volunteering@jrf.org.uk to register your interest. We will send you a Volunteer Pack with more information.

Benefits of volunteering

Residents

We treat all our our residents as individuals and recognise that everyone has specific needs. Residents feel valued and appreciated if volunteers can spend time with them and organise activities that will keep them busy and motivated. Sometimes, this relationship can develop into one of a long lost family or friend.

The care home

Staff benefit from seeing residents change and flourish. They are able to do their job better, and the atmosphere will become less pressurised and demanding.

The Volunteer - You!

Apart from the experience of working in a care environment, we will offer you full training, support and supervision. You will be part of a team where your input is valued and respected. Others who have volunteered find this experience an excellent first step to employment.

Barriers to Volunteering?

There are many perceived barriers to volunteering. Many of them are very easily overcome. If the reason you can't volunteer isn't on this list, discuss it with us, we might be able to work something out.

I don't have time

Many people say they are too busy to volunteer. Did you know that you need only to have one afternoon a month to commit to our volunteering programme. We have many different opportunities for volunteers and we can certainly find one that will suit your time restraints. If not, you could still consider registering your interest with us now in case your schedule changes in the future.

I have no skills

For most opportunities, we do not require any specific skills or experience, though they could be useful. The most important thing is that you have an interest in people, and are caring and understanding.

I can't afford it

We are committed to pay any out of pocket expenses you might have when volunteering with us.

Further information

For further details or an informal chat (with no obligations) contact:

Rachel Maclure
Volunteer Coordinator
The Oaks
Hartrigg Oaks
Haxby Road
New Earswick
York YO32 4DS

Tel: 01904 752211
Email: rachel.maclure@jrf.org.uk

Click here to download an application form. This should be sent to the above address.

Useful links

Alzheimer's Society
Year of the Volunteer
York CVS