Chatty Cafe Assistant
Posted 1 day 17 hours ago by Vast Services: Investing in communities
People's horizons can shrink later in life due to health issues, losing friends, or a drop in confidence after retirement. We believe later life shouldn't be a lonely life.
Through CareLink, our volunteers build trusted relationships with older people and help them stay healthy, independent, and connected - both through regular telephone befriending and friendly social groups known as Chatty Cafés.
How CareLink Supports Older People- Regular telephone befriending calls at the same time each week
- A trusted point of contact when people don't know where to turn
- Practical support and referrals to other services when needed
- Gentle reminders about medication, appointments, staying warm, and eating and drinking well
- Helping people identify local activities and offering initial support to attend
We are looking for volunteers aged 18+ to support our Chatty Café Social Groups, bringing conversation, connection, and companionship to older people in the community.
Volunteer roles include:
- Activity leaders or assistants
- Refreshment preparers and servers
- Drivers and/or chaperones
- Mentors / Befrienders
Sessions usually last 2 hours, with some additional time for setting up or clearing away.
Chatty Café Locations- Monday: Abbey Hulton
- Tuesday: Stoke and Burslem
- Thursday: Hanley and Longton
- Friday: Blurton
- 2 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months
- A short training session (2-3 hours), delivered in one session or split over two
- Training available in person or via Zoom
- Enhanced DBS check required - arranged and paid for by us
- First hand experience of life transitions (e.g. retirement, divorce)
- Awareness of how life events can affect wellbeing
- Willingness to learn about local services and support options
- Good listening and communication skills
- Empathy and interest in older people
- Non judgemental and encouraging approach
- Respect for confidentiality
- Honest, reliable, committed, and flexible
- New skills and experience to enhance your CV
- Increased confidence and self esteem
- Friendship and connection within a supportive volunteer team
- A sense of wellbeing from giving back to your community
- The satisfaction of knowing you are making a real difference
- Full training before starting, including boundaries, confidentiality, and safeguarding
- Ongoing support from a dedicated staff member
- Reasonable expenses reimbursed, including travel and activity costs