Become a Check in and Chat volunteer
Make a phone call once a week to an older person for a friendly chat - sign up today to see how you can help improve the lives of older people through the power of conversation!
Check in and Chat volunteering
What is Check in and Chat?
Check in and Chat is Age NI’s telephone call service for anyone aged over 60 in Northern Ireland who may feel isolated or lonely. Older people register with Age NI to receive a weekly friendship call and are then matched with a Check in and Chat volunteer.
What will you do?
- Make a weekly telephone call to a local older person, which could be between 10-30 minutes.
- Engage in meaningful conversation, providing company and a friendly voice to someone who may be isolated and lonely.
- Complete a contact log at the end of your call which is returned to the Check in and Chat Coordinator.
- Report back to the Check in and Chat Coordinator if any needs arise or if the older person needs to be signposted to another organisation for further support.
Like to find out more?
If you would like to volunteer with Age NI, please complete this form. Once submitted we will review it and contact you with more information.
What skills/qualities do you need?
- Reliable, friendly and approachable
- Can build trusting and supportive relationships with older people over the phone
- Excellent communication and active listening skills
- Empathetic and sensitive approach
- Ability to work independently, using your own initiative but knowing when to seek support
- Organised
- Ability to adhere to GDPR procedures/maintain confidentiality
When?
The role is very flexible and can be tailored to suit you and your service user.
What support will you get?
- A thorough and virtual induction training with an e-training pack (approx. 1 hour)
- A central point of contact (Check in and Chat coordinator)
- Supervisions and ongoing support
What will you gain?
- Fulfilment – feel good about making a positive, life changing difference
- Learn new skills
- Gain social interaction and a chance to develop friendships
- Gain knowledge on available services and activities
- Boost your CV and increase your employability
What our volunteers say:
“I’ve made firm friends, met lots of lovely people and gained self confidence. Try volunteering; it’s a wonderful feeling to help improve later life for another person.”
96% of our volunteers enjoy their role!
Why do we need you?
Age NI’s mission is to improve later life for everyone – but we need your help – now more than ever.
Additional Information:
- This role is only suitable for those 18 and over
- This role is subject to an informal interview, basic Access NI check and a reference check.