Volunteer

Why volunteer?

Volunteering with Pilgrims’ Friend Society is a wonderful way to get to know the older Christians who live in our care homes.

Whether it’s taking part in an activity together or sharing a cup of tea and a chat, your company will make a real difference. Our ‘family members’ (as we call those who live with us) look forward to seeing a friendly face and it means so much to them to know that someone has taken the time to visit.

But volunteering isn’t just about you serving them. Loneliness is something that can affect people of any age. Those who volunteer tell us how much they enjoy spending time with older people, who have so much to share.

Our homes are warm and welcoming places. Volunteer with us and you’ll soon become part of the family too!

How volunteering works at Pilgrims’ Friend Society...

In each of our care homes we employ a staff member called an Activities & Community Engagement (ACE) Facilitator. As well as leading the activities programme at the home, our ACE is responsible for building a team of volunteers and making connections with the wider community.

Our volunteers support us in many different ways, from helping with activities like arts and crafts, cookery and armchair exercises to taking part in our devotions, which typically feature a short talk from the Bible, a prayer time and hymns. If you’re a Christian, you’ll find many ways to use your gifts to support the spiritual life of our homes, whether it’s taking a leading role in our devotions times or simply offering to pray with one of our family members.

We understand that our volunteers come from all walks of life, and that the level of commitment each person is able to offer will differ. We’ll work with you to find the volunteering opportunity that’s just right.

I'd like to volunteer! What should I do next?

We have 10 care homes around England, listed below. Click on the home that's nearest to you to register to your interest. Our ACE Facilitator will then get in touch to find out a little bit more about you and how you'd like to volunteer.

(And if there isn’t a Pilgrims’ Friend Society home near you, why not find your nearest Christian care home on the Faith in Later Life care home directory and see what volunteer opportunities are available there?)