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  1. Volunteer
  2. Volunteering FAQs

Volunteering FAQs

Are you still accepting volunteer applications during COVID-19?

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We have had an amazing response from our existing volunteers and new volunteers coming forward as soon as the COVID-19 lockdown began and have paused recruitment on some of our volunteer roles to allow us to find opportunities for everyone. Please see each individual role type for a full update on which roles are available at this time.

For roles we are still recruiting for we have adapted our screening and training to accommodate safe measures with all meetings and training sessions being held on Zoom.

Published: 14th July, 2020

Author: Mark Drinkwater

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How do I apply to become a Link Age Southwark volunteer?

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If you are interested in any of the volunteering roles we have available or believe you have skills we might find useful, you can apply quickly and easily online by completing our application form.

Complete application form online

You can also download a copy of the application form and email it back to us at [email protected]

Download application form

If you require a hard copy application, you can call us on 020 8299 2623 and we will post a form to you with a stamped addressed envelope to return your application. 

Published: 29th January, 2020

Updated: 5th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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What will happen once I've submitted my application?

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We aim to contact you within two weeks of receipt of your application to arrange an informal interview with a member of the volunteering team.

The interview will take place at our office and will last for approximately 30 minutes. We try to accommodate people's availability as much as possible. The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, discuss our volunteering roles in more detail and how you can get involved. 

Once the interview is complete, you will be invited to attend one of our induction sessions which are held monthly on a Thursday morning, Tuesday evening or Saturday morning.

Published: 28th January, 2020

Updated: 11th February, 2020

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Once I have applied, how long is it until I can start volunteering?

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This varies from role to role. Once you have completed our training and screening process, you will be ready to start volunteering. We will seek to match you in a role as soon as possible, subject to demand for our services. 

Published: 27th January, 2020

Updated: 5th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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How old do I need to be to volunteer?

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As a rule, we say the minimum age for volunteering with us is 18.

However, some roles, such as office support or fundraising, are suitable for people under the age of 18. If you are under 18 and would like to volunteer, please get in touch with us and we can discuss the possibilities.

There is no maximum age limit for volunteering with Link Age Southwark! 

Published: 26th January, 2020

Updated: 5th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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What skills and experience do I need?

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For most of our volunteer roles you do not need any specific skills or experience, just a cheerful and friendly personality and a commitment to wanting to support older people in your community.

If specific skills are required, this will be outlined in the individual role descriptions. 

Published: 25th January, 2020

Updated: 11th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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How much time do I need to give?

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This varies from role to role.

For example, our befriending role requires a regular hour per week commitment for a minimum of 6 months. Other roles, such as being a volunteer gardener are more flexible and are on an as-needed basis and at a time convenient to you.

If there is a required time commitment, this will be outlined in the individual role descriptions. 

Published: 24th January, 2020

Updated: 5th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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Can I volunteer with my child?

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It is our policy not to permit children under the age of five to accompany you when volunteering. 

However, we do have some opportunities at our weekday activity groups for volunteers who would like to bring their children (under the age of five). If you are interested, please get in touch with the office to discuss these opportunities in more detail.

Published: 23rd January, 2020

Updated: 11th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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Will I need references?

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Yes. We ask that you provide details of two referees who have known you well for at least two years and who are not a relative or partner.

Ideally, one should be from a previous employer, education or volunteer organisation. You must check with each referee that they are willing to provide us with a character reference before submitting their details and let them know that we will be contacting them.

In some circumstances we may request a third reference. 

Published: 22nd January, 2020

Updated: 11th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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Do you provide training?

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Yes. All new volunteers are required to attend a half day induction training session to enable you to feel happy and confident to carry out your volunteering role.

In addition, as a Link Age Southwark volunteer, you will have access to appropriate training to help support you in your role.

Published: 21st January, 2020

Updated: 11th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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Will I get expenses reimbursed?

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Yes. Link Age Southwark will reimburse out of pocket expenses associated with volunteering with us.

This includes travel costs, phone calls made on our behalf, meal expenses if volunteering continuously for five (or more) hours in any one day up to the maximum value of £5 and other incidental expenses.

All receipts must be retained as proof of expenditure. More details are available in our policies and procedures.

Published: 20th January, 2020

Updated: 5th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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Will you do a criminal record check?

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Yes. We use the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to help assess the suitability of volunteers wishing to support older people. We carry out different levels of checks depending on the role you wish to carry out. We will provide you with all the necessary information to complete this check and will cover the cost of the application.

It is our policy that if you have been living outside of England and Wales within the last three years, you will be required to obtain a certificate of good character from the country you have been residing in. 

Published: 19th January, 2020

Updated: 11th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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I have a criminal record, can I volunteer?

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A criminal conviction doesn't necessarily mean you cannot volunteer with us.

We ask that you disclose any spent or unspent convictions at the time of application. We will discuss any convictions with you at the interview stage and a decision will be made on a case-by-case basis with the Director of Link Age Southwark authorising the final decision.

Published: 18th January, 2020

Updated: 11th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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Will you provide me with a reference?

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We will be happy to provide you with a reference after you have completed six months in an active volunteering role. 

Published: 17th January, 2020

Updated: 5th February, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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I have a question that's not been answered here

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If you still have a question about volunteering with Link Age Southwark, please get in touch with us via our contact form or call us on 020 8299 2623 to discuss further. 

We'd love to hear from you. 

Published: 13th October, 2019

Updated: 10th January, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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Please consider making a donation towards our efforts to support our older friends and neighbours at this challenging time. We're all in this together. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 26th March, 2020

Updated: 29th September, 2020

Author: Laura Fitzpatrick

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My experience as a volunteer

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I've always worked in the NHS, mostly in paediatrics, and when I retired I wanted to do something equally rewarding but different so when I found that Link Age Southwark (Dulwich Helpline as it was then) was looking for befrienders for the elderly I thought this sounded exactly what I was looking for. Read more

Published: 8th June, 2020

Updated: 9th June, 2020

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Location: 46 Thurlow Park Road, West Dulwich, London, SE21 8HZ

Link Age Southwark
URC
Tell Grove
London
SE22 8RH

Phone: 020 8299 2623
Email: [email protected]

Registered as Charity number 1105923

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