Volunteer

Uniting CompanionsVolunteer

One hour a week from you might be the only hour of company someone gets this week. Here’s how to give it.

Roles that fit around your week

Every role is trained, DBS-checked, and matched to you — not the other way around. Here are the three main ways to give your time.

B
Befriending Companion

A regular call or visit

"She doesn't come because it's her job. She comes because it's Thursday."

Matched with one person for weekly calls or fortnightly visits, based on shared interests. Most volunteers give 1–2 hours a week.

G
Group Activity Helper

Support a social group or walk

"We started as strangers who liked the same park bench."

Help run a walking group, lunch club, or activity session — setting up, welcoming people, and keeping the regulars coming back.

C
Cultural Support Assistant

Language and community support

"For the first time, someone explained the letter without me guessing."

If you speak a second language, help caseworkers support ethnic minority communities with translation, letters, and connecting people to their community.

How it works

From first enquiry to your first visit, here's what to expect.

1

Apply

Tell us a bit about yourself and how much time you have — takes five minutes.

2

DBS check & training

We run a standard DBS check and a short induction covering safeguarding and what to expect.

3

Get matched

We match you to a person or group based on interests, location, and availability.

4

Ongoing support

A named coordinator checks in regularly — you're never doing this without backup.

In their own words

"I thought I was giving up an hour a week. I got a friend I now plan my week around."

Aisha, Befriending Volunteer

"You watch someone go from answering the door with one eye through the gap to putting the kettle on before you knock."

James, Befriending Volunteer

"Being able to explain a benefits letter in someone's first language isn't a small thing. It's the difference between dread and relief."

Cultural Support Caseworker

Ready to give an hour a week?

Get in touch and we'll talk through the roles available near you.