Volunteer
We simply couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support of our volunteer family!
The Link Visiting Scheme is looking for volunteers to give some of their time regularly to make isolated older people in their community feel connected and valued.
Meet like-minded people
We have just over 400 volunteers who love being part of our team. Volunteers say they feel supported and valued and we take individual preferences, skills, time commitments and interests into account. Most importantly, we put a big importance on having fun.
If you would like to widen your social circle, volunteering for Link Visiting is an important and fun way to meet new people.
Transform someone’s life
It’s amazing the difference you can make to someone’s life simply by showing up for them. Whether it’s a weekly chat over a cup of tea or taking someone out to visit the garden centre, you’ll soon become that person who makes someone’s day or week a better one.
Volunteer Emma told us she thought befriending would just benefit her Link Friend, “whereas, in fact, we have both blossomed!”
Do good, feel great
Giving your time freely to someone or something other than yourself is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Studies show that volunteering can improve both your mental and physical health, increase your happiness levels, boost self-esteem and help you become more socially connected. Volunteering makes people smile and builds a sense of community and empathy for others.
Learn new skills
You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to volunteer with Link Visiting. In fact, volunteers often tell us how befriending has helped them develop new skills such as active listening or about living with long-term conditions like dementia.
We’ll make sure you’ve got all the support and training you need, and answer any questions you might have along the way.
“It is a privilege to volunteer with Link Visiting. It’s an enriching and humbling experience... and good fun!”
- Karen, Link volunteer
Join our award-winning family
In 2021 we were delighted and honoured to be awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. We could not be prouder of our incredible volunteer family, whose hard work and dedication are at the heart of all we do.
Click below to read more about how our brilliant volunteers stepped up during the pandemic, showing genuine care, kindness and friendship, facilitating connection and meaningful support at such a challenging time.
“If you’re thinking of volunteering in a way that directly benefits your community and some of the most rewarding and deserving individuals in it, Link Visiting is about as good as it gets”.
Getting started
If you’re interested in volunteering with us and you live in Wokingham Borough or the surrounding area, we can send you a volunteer pack by email. This contains a simple application form and a request for two references. We can only accept volunteers who are over 18yrs.
Next, you’ll meet our friendly Volunteer Coordinator (either by video call or face-to-face) and complete a DBS form (criminal record check). We’ll ask you to attend a session where we can provide some training and we will then support you as we introduce you to your new friend.
What is it like to be a Link volunteer?
Wondering what it’s like to be part of the Link family? Here are some of the stories that have come out of the relationships between our fantastic volunteers and their Link friends.
“We chat while cooking and Louisa becomes animated and happy”