Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn some new skills or brush up on some old ones. If you are just starting out in the world it is a tremendous way to build your CV, if you are enjoying retirement it’s a terrific way to stay connected and if you are somewhere in between it can be about career development or simply an act of kindness. Our team of volunteers, recruited from the local community, spans several generations as everyone has different gifts to share.  Many are “active” people over retirement age whose volunteering improves their own wellbeing.

You don’t need any special skills, just the ability to care, the desire to help and a willingness to work under the guidance of our team and within the ethos of the charity. All volunteers receive regular training and supervision to support you to help others. We cover any expenses incurred.

Here at Ilkley and District Good Neighbours we believe in working with flexible opportunities that fit with people’s lives. Ideally your volunteer hours should work around you and what you can offer. It is often a good idea to start slowly and then increase your hours if you wish. Our volunteers offer anything from 3 hours a month to 5 hours a week depending on what is convenient for them and what our clients need.

Perhaps you are a people person who’s happy to pop round for a chat, a practical person who can help with shopping or a reliable extra pair of hands for one of our groups. All sorts of skills and experiences are required as a volunteer at Ilkley and District Good Neighbours.

Unfortunately not. The vast majority of our volunteering opportuities take place in a client’s home where you would be on your own and unsupervised. This is no reflection on you and more about our responsibility as a charity to keep safe anyone who volunteers with us.

If you’re interested in joining us either drop us an email or contact us by phone on 01943 609906.

You will be invited to meet up for an informal chat over a cup of tea so you can hear how it all works and see if you would like to be involved.

The next step is to complete an application form, attend an informal interview and then we take up references. All volunteers are also required to have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and we will provide an induction before you start volunteering.