Volunteer
Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove relies on volunteers to help us offer vital services in the local community. Would you like to lend a hand?
Volunteering is a great way to share your life skills and experience. You can make an invaluable contribution to your local community.
We welcome a diverse range of volunteers from all backgrounds, abilities and ages. If you have some spare time and would like to make a difference to older people in the community then Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove would love to hear from you! Many activities that we run would not be possible without the support of volunteers.
As well as the satisfaction of knowing you are giving something back it can provide you with a feel good factor, adding to life’s many achievements, and will really make a difference to those whose lives you enrich.
We urgently need volunteers!
We’re seeking compassionate volunteers to support older people returning home from hospital after an illness, accident, or operation.
We need volunteers to visit their client once a week for up to 6 weeks - providing emotional and practical support which could include collecting medication or shopping, offering a listening ear, and enabling people to regain their confidence and independence.
“Helping people after a hospital discharge is a great example where volunteers can have a big impact. Leaving hospital can feel really worrying to older people who live alone. To have someone making the transition a bit easier by offering reassurance, company and practical support can make all the difference. If you might be interested in this role we’d love to hear from you.” Richard Harris, Volunteer Manager.
Join our 'volunteer army'
We have a variety of volunteering opportunities catering to individual's differing skills and abilities and we are certain to find you a role that you will enjoy.
If you are still not sure what you may be able to do, we would be delighted to discuss this with you.
If you have some time to spare each week and would like to help us make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for many local people, we would like to hear from you. Volunteers will receive support and training in their role.
Anyone interested in volunteering for us should contact Volunteer Manager, Richard Harris, ideally by email on richard.harris@ageukwsbh.org.uk or call 01273 021 620
Current volunteering roles
Dementia Daybreak Club Volunteer - various locations
Daybreak Club Volunteer
You will assist the Club Coordinator and Support Worker in the smooth running of the service.
This can involve but is not limited to, preparing refreshments for customers, supporting staff in the delivery of activities provided and supporting customers to have meaningful engagement.
You will assist in supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Training will be provided to help you within this role, however a having a caring, compassionate and patient disposition is essential.
Volunteers currently requied in Haywards Heath, Storrington and Bognor Regis.
Activity Session Volunteer - Kings Weald Community Centre, Burgess Hill
Activity Session Volunteer
As an activity session volunteer you with support with setting up the room with tables & games for clients at Kings Weald Community Centre, Burgess Hill.
Based at Kings Weald Community Centre, Burgess Hill
Mens Group Facilitator - Pulborough
Mens Group Facilitator
To facilitate a small group of men in a small friendly pub to meet up in a laid-back informal environment. The group can be shaped to the needs of the client group and can be run as is convenient to the facilitator which could be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, for up to 2 hours per meeting.
Based in Pulborough
One-Off Community Events Assistant
One-Off Community Events Assistant
As an Events Assistant, you will be supporting our Staff to run the activities for older people during a 3-hour session in various locations across Arun and Chichester areas.
Based in: various venues across Arun or Chichester areas.
Mens Group Facilitator - Mid Sussex
Mens Group Facilitator
To facilitate a small group of men in a small friendly pub to meet up in a laid-back informal environment. The group can be shaped to the needs of the client group and can be run as is convenient to the facilitator which could be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, for up to 2 hours per meeting.
Based in Mid Sussex, exact location tbc.
Mens Group Facilitator - Crawley
Mens Group Facilitator
To facilitate a small group of men in a small friendly pub to meet up in a laid-back informal environment. The group can be shaped to the needs of the client group and can be run as is convenient to the facilitator which could be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, for up to 2 hours per meeting.
Based in Crawley
Adur Volunteering Opportunities
Adur Volunteering Opportunities
We have a selection of amazing volunteering roles in the Shoreham, Sompting & Southwick area that you may be very interested in hearing about. Examples being; helping in the kitchen and serving food, bingo calling, supporting our warm hubs and assisting with staff led activities but more importantly, having the time to give to older people so that they have someone to talk and connect with.
Community Rainbow Neighbour - Brighton and Hove
Community Rainbow Neighbour
This role was developed to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people at risk of loneliness and isolation and/or encourage more intergenerational connections within the community.
This role is delivered in partnership with Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard.
Roles based across Brighton & Hove.
LGBT+ Group Support - Horsham
LGBT+ Group Support
This new support group will bring people together to help alleviate social isolation and loneliness within the older LGBTQ+ community and to improve wellbeing through human connection and strength of community.
You will facilitate the sessions and foster a safe, supportive environment for the participants - helping them to make conversation and connections, whilst ensuring the group is friendly and non-judgmental.
Role based in Horsham.
Home Visiting Support
Home Visiting Support
You will be supporting older people through weekly visits to their home. The role involves providing short term practical support to vulnerable adults including those recently discharged from hospital.
Roles based across West Sussex.
Mens Group Leader - Arun/Chichester
Mens Group Leader
To lead a small group of men to meet up in a laid-back informal, friendly environment which would different venues across the Arun area. The group can be shaped to the needs of the client group and can be run as is convenient to the leader which could be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. For up to 2hours. Depending on the venue clients could buy or give a donation for their own drinks as needed.
Based at: Various venues across Arun or Chichester area
Event Buddy
Event Buddy
To provide lonely and isolated people a lift and company to evening and weekend events.
Based at: various locations
Meet and Greet Volunteer - West Wittering
Meet & Greet Volunteer
The role is designed to reconnect older people with their local neighbourhood, regain confidence and social connections.
Based at: West Wittering Memorial Hall
Dementia Daybreak Club Volunteer
Daybreak Club Volunteer
You will assist the Club Coordinator and Support Worker in the smooth running of the service.
This can involve but is not limited to, preparing refreshments for customers, supporting staff in the delivery of activities provided and supporting customers to have meaningful engagement.
You will assist in supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Training will be provided to help you within this role, however a having a caring, compassionate and patient disposition is essential.
Volunteers currently requied in Storrington and Bognor Regis.
Gardening
Gardening Volunteer
Our team of volunteer gardeners ensure that the garden and borders at our Centres are well maintained to enable all our members and visitors to enjoy the beautiful outside space we have.
Gardening duties required at the Laburnham Centre, Bognor Regis, West Sussex and at the Burgess Hill Centre, West Sussex.
Chris' Volunteer Story
In June last year, following a breakup and feeling somewhat lost, I reached out to my parents for advice. During a conversation with my mother, she suggested I volunteer to help elderly people in need companionship. She believed this would help me find purpose and give back to our community in Crawley.
Inspired by her advice, I explored volunteering opportunities and discovered Age UK. I reached out via email, and within a week, I was on my way to becoming a volunteer. This decision marked the start of a meaningful change in my life.
I began making home visits to a delightful elderly woman and we quickly formed a bond - sharing stories and laughter. I assist her with trips to her GP and help with her shopping. Helping my client has given me a new outlook on life and reinforced my belief in the power of kindness and community service.
In addition to home visits, I participate in tea and coffee mornings at the community centre in Maidenbower. I serve drinks and love having a chat with the people who come along. These interactions, particularly with a blind man I assisted during lunch, deeply touched my heart and broadened my perspective on the challenges others face.
The other volunteers have been so welcoming and instantly made me feel part of a supportive community. I enjoy getting to know them and working together to make a difference to the lives of the people we support.
Volunteering with Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove has been the best decision of my life. It has helped me find purpose and allowed me to make a positive impact. This experience has made me a better person, instilling in me a lasting commitment to helping those in need and fostering a sense of community wherever I go.
Stay connected! Subscribe to our free newsletter and mailings.
Get the latest updates on our work, upcoming events, and ways to make a difference, along with wellbeing tips, advice, and insightful blog posts — all delivered straight to your inbox. Join our community today.