Volunteering

As a charity we rely on volunteers to do what we do. Roles include helping run activities, providing someone to talk to, fundraising and vitally important back-office functions. We are open to suggestions so if you have a particular interest or set of skills and have the time to volunteer even a few hours, please get in touch.

Volunteering is a great way of getting out of the house and meeting people. Some of our volunteers have used it as a way of regaining confidence, especially if they have been in a long-term caring role. Others fit volunteering around caring and others have used it as a way back into work. Some of our former volunteers now work for us in a paid role.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what our wonderful volunteer Joy said about volunteering for Northamptonshire Carers.

“My husband, Stewart, and I have been volunteers with Northamptonshire Carers for just over three years now. When we first had contact with the charity we know very little about them, other than they supported people caring for a family member.

During our three years we have learnt so much, and are still learning about all the diverse and very varied groups supported by the Carers, from the very young to the very old and every age group in between.

It's only when you get involved with a charity of this kind that you realise how many areas of our society need help from support groups, and the many benefits that are available.

Support groups are there to get help and advice if you are a carer; support for a long-term health problem; dealing with mental health problems; understanding issues resulting from dementia - the list goes on.

The groups provide not just information and advice, but friendship, support and meeting people who are in the same situation and who understand exactly what help and advice is needed. Sometimes all people need is a listening ear, a cup of tea, and the realisation that they are not isolated with the situation they are in.

We have seen first-hand people coming to a group for the first time, feeling very low, isolated and having low self-esteem. Gradually friendships start to evolve, people are socialising more, joining other groups and, best of all, having fun. (In fact, in one of the groups we were all laughing so much that we asked to keep the noise down!!)

We love our volunteer roles and always feel supported by the staff we work for.  They always make sure we are OK and we feel appreciated and looked after. The roles are also flexible, so if you feel something isn't quite working out there is always an opportunity to change.

Friends say to us that we are so good doing what we do. But our answer is always that we feel we get so much more back - we meet lovely people, have lots of fun and are awarded by seeing some people's quality of life improve.

We are proud to be volunteers with Northamptonshire Carers”

Joy and Stuart Sykes, November 2019

All volunteers are DBS checked and full training will be given.