Volunteering
Volunteering
Nurturing relationships
When you volunteer at the St Monica Trust, your focus will be on building relationships with our residents. We know that our volunteers bring a range of skills that enrich life, creating communities where older people flourish by bringing joy, friendship, connection and choice. That’s why we’re keen to hear from you.
Ways to volunteer
From lending a hand at a coffee morning, to sharing a love of gardening, or music, there’s plenty of ways to get volunteers involved. Volunteers might like to support regular activities in one of our care homes or help out at special events in our retirement villages. There’s also the chance for volunteers to spend one to one time with residents where they can provide a listening ear, share news, or help someone get out and about.
Why do people volunteer?
Volunteering can be a life-changing experience, giving you the opportunity to:
- Be active and involved in your local community.
- Make new friends and get experience working with older people.
- Learn something new.
- Do something enjoyable and fun.
- Increase, improve and maintain your skills.
- Make a real difference
- Bring a sense of well-being and achievement
We place a high value on the enrichment that our volunteers bring to what we do and we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. This is why we pay travel expenses and make sure you’re supported by experienced colleagues. You'll also receive a proper induction, have access to other training opportunities and attend colleague events like the annual Family Fun Day.
Our volunteer roles
Gardening volunteer
Supporting older people to feel more confident going out into the gardens to enjoy their hobby, spend time outdoors and benefit from their surroundings. Enhance the environment for residents to enjoy.
Group activity volunteer
Supporting residents who would benefit from social contact and engaging in a variety of group activities.
Visiting volunteer
Increase connection, well-being and fulfilment of residents who would benefit from social contact.
Pottery volunteer
Increase connection, well-being, fulfilment and opportunities for creativity for residents through pottery.
Worship volunteer
Supporting residents to attend and participate in a service of Christian worship led by our pastoral care team.
Walking group volunteer
Supporting through walking for residents who would benefit from social contact, being outdoors, and moving more. Empower residents to feel more confident to go out on short or longer walks both within and outside of our sites.
Digital support volunteer
Supporting residents by empowering them to use the internet, digital devices and technology, increasing their knowledge and self-confidence.
Become a volunteer
Explore your options
The first step to becoming a volunteer is an informal chat. We’ll talk you through our current opportunities and find out what is of interest to you. You’ll be asked to fill out an application form and be invited to visit the Trust to find out more.
We look at your skills, interests, motivations and personal circumstances to ensure that we closely match this with the potential benefits to our residents and the older people we work with.
The legal bit
Because our volunteers work in a position of trust with older people, we always take up references and carry out a criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Having a criminal record will not automatically prevent you from volunteering at the Trust. In such situations, decisions about suitability are made on a case by case basis.
Volunteering in our retirement villages and care homes
For an informal chat about volunteering at the Trust, please call 07817 633 011 or email volunteering@stmonicatrust.org.uk.
Career
When you join the St Monica Trust family you join an organisation built on 100 years of trust, thanks to the people who work for us. With our competitive rewards and benefits package, and our comprehensive training and development, you’ll receive all the support you need to have a rich and accomplished career.