Volunteer with us | Brunelcare

Make a difference in your community

Whether you can spare an hour or a few days, volunteers make a positive difference in the day-to-day lives of the people we support. In return, you’ll be provided with all the support and guidance you need to have the best possible volunteer experience.

From the opportunity to develop new skills and experiences to boost your CV, to the chance to meet new people, there are many ways you can benefit from volunteering with Brunelcare.

An elderly woman doing arts and crafts.

Ways to volunteer

Reablement

Our reablement centres provide rehabilitation and help people get back on their feet (sometimes literally) after a stay in hospital. Guests only stay for a short time, so it’s a great role if you’re looking to interact with a wide range of people and try different things.

You could be taking a walk to the shops or park with a guest, helping with activities like jigsaw puzzles, board games, baking and crafts or just sitting and chatting with someone who might not have many visitors. Whatever you do, your time is helping prepare guests for a return to everyday life.

Read our role description

1 of 5

Two reablement workers assisting an elderly woman holding a walking frame.

Help in our homes

There is so much you can do, from providing one on one support, to assisting with day trips, to helping with events, gardening or just having a chat with residents. Whatever you can give, we aim for this role to allow you to make the most of your passions, skills and motivations for volunteering with us.

Read our role description

2 of 5

Befriending

Befriending is the perfect role if you’re looking to provide regular one-on-one social interaction to brighten someone’s day. Befriending can take place over the phone, in person, or as a flexible combination of the above.

Many of our befriending volunteers find the role to be mutually beneficial, and some have made firm friendships!

Read our role description

3 of 5

Office support

There are many opportunities to help our office-based teams. From admin work, to data entry, to assisting with our social media team, to responding to email enquiries; we have an opportunity to fit your skills or help you develop new ones.

Our head office is based in Whitehall in Bristol, but this role could also be done from one of our sites or even remotely from home, so you can support us wherever you are.

Read our role description

4 of 5

Community support

Volunteering in community support, you’ll be helping residents in our sheltered schemes with practical tasks like picking up shopping, gardening or helping them to become digitally connected, as well as providing vital social interaction.

Read our role description

5 of 5

What to do next

If you would like to volunteer at a particular site, please contact the site directly.

Find a site

If you’d like more details or to chat about the best role for you, get in touch.

Get in touch

Commonly asked questions

How much time do I need to give?: We don’t ask for a minimum time requirement. You are able to be flexible with your commitment, and in general can give as little or as much time as you are able to offer, but some roles such as befriending do benefit from regular and/or scheduled involvement.
What age do I have to be?: Most of our volunteering roles are for age 18 or over. We may be able to accept younger volunteers, but this will depend on the role and our capacity. Please get in touch if you are under 18 and interested in volunteering.
Do I need any particular skills or previous experience?: Whilst these are helpful, you don’t need to have any previous experience or skills to volunteer with us. Enthusiasm, a friendly manner and a willingness to get involved are more important. Our roles provide a great opportunity for you to learn and develop new skills.
Do you provide any training?: Yes, but this will vary depending on the role. You will receive a full induction to ensure you are comfortable and confident, and regular support, check ins and refresher training throughout your time with us.
Am I allowed to volunteer if I am receiving benefits?: Yes – but we would recommend informing your Job Centre about your volunteering. See the Gov.uk website for more information.
Can I volunteer if I am a refugee or asylum seeker?: If you have refugee status or exceptional leave to remain, you are able to volunteer with us. If you are an asylum seeker, you can also volunteer with us, but this will have to stop if your final appeal is refused and you are denied leave to remain.
Will I be insured?: Brunelcare has public liability insurance. For any volunteering roles that involve driving, you will need to be covered by your own car insurance.
Can school, work and community groups get involved?: Yes, of course. Please contact us for more details.
Are expenses covered?: We cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel costs from your home to where you volunteer.