Fitness & Friendship Club Support Volunteer

What do Fitness & Friendship Club Support Volunteers do?

Support Volunteers help the Fitness & Friendship Club Leaders at sessions to ensure that there is a safe and happy environment to welcome club attendees

The Support Volunteer role is varied and could involve a range of activities such as setting up the room ready for the session, clearing the room after the session, welcoming club members, assisting members (especially new members) to participate in activities and conversation, accept payments, make and serve refreshments and/or help to promote the club in the local community. 

About the Fitness & Friendship Service

Fitness & Friendship clubs promote the physical and mental wellbeing of older by helping them stay fit and active in later life so that they are more able to remain independent. They are social clubs with an emphasis on keeping active and staying healthy, where fun and laughter play a big part.

The clubs run in two parts – gentle chair-based exercises for about 40 minutes followed by a refreshment break where attendees can socialise and catch up with one another. The second part is driven by what the members have said they want to do – group games such as kurling; T’ai Chi; quizzes; listening to a speaker, more social time etc.

Where is this role available?

At one of our established Fitness & Friendship Clubs or one of the planned new Clubs. 

When can I do this?

Our Fitness & Friendship Clubs run on a Tues, Weds or Thurs generally in the afternoon between 2pm - 4pm.

What time commitment is expected?

Each club runs for two hours every other week with some additional time to help prepare the venue before the session (and clear afterwards) and help promote the club in the local community.

What are the practical considerations?

You must be over 18 & be prepared to undertake the training requirements

What will you get out of it?

• An organisation induction to give you an overview of Age UK Wiltshire and an insight into all its’ services
• 7 online training courses which include GDPR; Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Slips, Trips & Falls
• First Aid training
• Free uniform
• Out of pocket expenses
• Working as part of a team to help you develop new skills
• Opportunities to bring new ideas to further club development 
• The opportunity to train as a Club volunteer leader should you so wish

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for people who are: 

• Friendly and enjoy working with older people
• Able to facilitate conversations and make new members feel welcome
• Attentive about the safety of members and other volunteers
• Able to work within a team to further develop the clubs
• Flexible and willing to undertake agreed tasks
• Reliable