Volunteer with Us
Are you ready to help us to make a difference to the lives of family carers? Why not join our community of volunteers dedicated to supporting family carers and creating positive change.
Volunteering with us is a great way to do something positive for your local community while learning new skills and meeting like-minded people.
Our volunteers play a vital role in everything we do, helping us make a real difference to the lives of family carers. We’re incredibly grateful for the time, skills and enthusiasm they bring.
We offer a wide range of opportunities – from regular ongoing roles to small, flexible, one‑off tasks – so there’s something to suit everyone. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, you’ll be part of a welcoming community making a meaningful impact.
Why Volunteer?
The People who are Making a Difference
Volunteer Roles
FAQ's
Why Help Make a Difference?
Volunteering is a great way to show our support for the causes that are important to us but did you know that volunteering has a whole range of other benefits. It can help you to meet new people, learn new skills, and it might even improve your health.
We all know it feels good to help out. It can reduce stress levels, reduce loneliness and increase confidence as well as building connection with your community.
Suffolk Family Carers volunteers come from all walks of life; from students to the retired, employed, unemployed and everyone in between. We offer full induction and training as well as regular meet ups and support.
The People who are Making a Difference
A few of our volunteers share their stories about how they help and why they volunteer.
Young Carers Volunteer
Although I work full time, I began my volunteering journey 30 years ago and fortunately my employers have given me the time off to enable me to achieve this….
Talk and Support Volunteer
Bev is a Talk and Support Volunteer.
“I support several family carers, calling them every two weeks. I listen and chat about any concerns or worries they have. It gives carers the space to talk about their concerns, and to let off steam….
Talk and Support Volunteer
Sue is a Talk and Support volunteer and also hosts a family carer group.
“I always start by finding a quiet place to make my call where I won’t be disturbed. Then I make sure I’m smiling and start the call…
Young Carers Service – Admin Volunteer
Joyce began volunteering with SFC in the Neuro Diversity Project Team to provide administrative support.
“I generally work 6 hours a week. The work is varied and interesting. As a volunteer, I provide support to the advisors and project manager…
FAQs
Fill in our online application form here and a member of the volunteering team will be in touch to discuss next steps.
Yes, either in person at our Claydon offices or online. This is an informal discussion to make sure that every potential volunteer is matched to the role most suited to their skills, experience and circumstances. It’s also an opportunity for you to find out more about what we do and the roles available.
No, although good listening skills, an interest in people and a compassionate, non-judgemental approach is essential to most roles.
Yes. We offer a full volunteer induction and training to all of our volunteers. We ask all volunteers to complete online safeguarding training too and we can provide support to access this if required.
Depending on the particular role you are interested in. Get in touch to find out which role might suit you.
Because of the nature of our work all volunteers must be over the age of 18.
No, however we suggest you speak to your job centre or benefits office about any volunteering you do and ask them to confirm that your benefits won’t be affected. You can find out more here: Volunteering and Benefits.
No. All voluntary roles are unpaid although we will cover all agreed out of pocket expenses in line with our volunteer expenses policy. This might include travel from your home to your place of volunteering (subject to maximum allowable distances).
Yes we do. Volunteer expenses are reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy, which will be fully explained at your volunteer induction. We can also reimburse travel expenses for interviews – please ask us for details when you apply.
It can be daunting to try something new so we’re here to support you every step of the way. We have a range of opportunities and we can chat through any concerns you have. You will not be expected to do anything without appropriate training or support.
If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to contact our volunteering team at volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org
Volunteering Roles
Did you know that volunteering is good for both your physical and mental health? It can help reduce stress levels, reduce loneliness and increase confidence. You’ll get to meet new people, learn new skills and make a real difference to family carers – there are so many positives!
Click the images below to find out more about the roles available.
HR Volunteer
HR Volunteer HR Volunteer You’ll be providing admin support to the HR team, helping them with recruitment, information system management
Talk & Support Volunteer
You’ll provide regular telephone support to family carers, providing a listening ear and emotional support. You’ll help them to feel more supported in their caring role, improving their access to information and increasing their awareness of additional support available in their community.
Volunteer Social Media Assistant
Volunteer Social Media Assistant Volunteer Social Media Assistant (Neurodevelopmental Differences Project) Making sure parent carers are well informed of services,
Information Hub Volunteer
You’ll be answering calls to our Information Hub from family carers, professionals, neighbours or anyone connected to a family carer.
Hospital Team Check-In Volunteer
You’ll be supporting our Hospitals teams by making check-in calls to carers of recently discharged patients. You’ll help them to feel more supported in their caring role by checking that the transition back home has gone smoothly.
Parent Carer Workshops Volunteer
You”ll be supporting our Neurodevelopmental Difference project team to deliver workshops to parent carers and family members who live with a child/young person who is autistic or has ADHD
Community Support Volunteer
You’ll be supporting the Communities Team by attending drop-ins and events or accompanying our mobile vehicle raising awareness of the work of Suffolk Family Carers.
Care to Chat Telephone Support
Provide regular telephone support to parent carers, providing a listening ear and emotional support
Want to Volunteer?
Suffolk Family Carers is accredited by Rest Less for our commitment to providing an age-inclusive volunteer process.
