Questions & answers | Age Concern England

Frequently asked questions and answers about volunteering for Age Concern.

Aren't I too old?
How much time do I need to volunteer for?
Can I be paid something to cover my expenses?
Can I claim benefits while volunteering?
I’m working full-time. Will I still be able to volunteer?
Can I get a qualification?
Can I volunteer with my family or friends?
Will I be interviewed? What will they ask me? What can I ask them?
What support will I get while I'm volunteering?
Can I leave if I don't like it?
I want to be a social worker. How can I get experience?
Where can I volunteer?

Aren’t I too old?
Age is no barrier. We all have something to offer no matter our age or background. Age Concerns across the country have shown their support for combating Age Discrimination in Volunteering by signing up to the ‘Code of Practice on Age Discrimination and Volunteering’.

How much time do I need to volunteer for?
The amount of time you give is really up to you and it does vary between volunteering activities. Ask your Age Concern how long each volunteering role needs and see whether this matches the time you can give.

Can I be paid something to cover my expenses?
We recommend that all Age Concerns cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that arise from volunteering, such as travel and lunch.

Can I claim benefits while volunteering?
Yes. The guidelines clearly state that volunteering does NOT affect your benefits, although you may have to let the Job Centre staff know.

I am working full-time. Will I still be able to volunteer?
Yes. Every Age Concern is different but there are a range of activities that are suitable outside of normal working hours such as befriending, home visiting, being a driver or acting as trustee.

Do I need any particular skills or qualifications?
Most volunteer roles don’t require them as you will be given any training you need by the Age Concern. Some of the more technical roles will require certain levels of skills, however this will be stated in advance. If you have any special skills or qualifications that you think may be useful, make sure you let the Age Concern know.

Can I get a qualification?
Occasionally an Age Concern can help volunteers access special qualifications such as an NVQ. If you are volunteering to gain a qualification, please let the Age Concern know at the earliest opportunity. Even if you can’t access a qualification, by volunteering you will become more employable as you gain valuable experience, skills and a reference though.

Can I volunteer with my family or friends?
Occasionally your local Age Concern may be able to provide opportunities for this, but you won’t have such a large choice of activity and it may depend on a number of different factors related to the activity and safety.

Will I be interviewed? What will they ask me? What can I ask them?
Most Age Concerns will probably have an informal chat with you to allow them to find about more about you, and you more about them, although the roles which require more responsibility, such as being a trustee, will involve a more formal interview.

The sort of questions asked will vary and will depend on the volunteer role that interests you most. You may discover other roles which suit you better. Typically you may be asked:

Why do you want to volunteer with Age Concern?
What sort of role are you interested in?
How much time can you offer?
Do you have any particular skills you can offer?
What new skills would you to learn through volunteering?

You can ask anything you feel unsure about such as what expenses are reimbursed. It can also give you an opportunity to look at where you will be volunteering and meet some of the other staff and volunteers.

What support will I get while I’m volunteering?
We recognise how valuable your time is, so we are committed to ensuring that your volunteering is as enjoyable and satisfying as possible. Age Concerns will make sure that you have what you need to perform your role, you have your expenses re-imbursed, you are insured and that you receive on-going support so you know who to go to if you have a question or a problem.

Can I leave if I don’t like it?
Yes, of course you can. If you are unhappy, however, it is always worth talking to your supervisor beforehand to see if there is anything your Age Concern can do to improve your experience such as changing your role to something you find more enjoyable.

I want to be a social worker. How can I get experience?
Volunteering with Age Concern can be an excellent way of gaining experience in social work or working with vulnerable people. Contact your local Age Concern to see if they are able to offer you something suitable.

Where can I volunteer?
We have opportunities all across the country. Find out about how to volunteer.