Discover opportunities and build connections with the people and organisations driving positive change in our communities.
The North London Cares social clubs are free intergenerational activities which bring older (65+) and younger people together to learn, laugh and try out new things. They try everything, from silent discos to hula hooping; trips to the cinema to pottery and crafting. The clubs take place in different venues such as pubs, cafes, galleries, community centres and community gardens across Camden and Islington.
Get active and join a sports and physical activity-based befriending programme with Time & Talents
The ‘Get Active’ project connects adults who may be lonely and keen to start exercising with a local volunteer befriender, who can share their love of being active and help them try new things. Activities can include anything from community walks, strength and balance classes, gym sessions, yoga, walking, football and everything in between. It can even be a passion for watching and supporting your local sports team. Form budding friendships over new activities and sports, or even just getting out for some fresh air. Volunteers will meet up with their befriendee once a week for 1 hour to take part in a physical activity of their choice. This often starts with a regular walk in a local park in order to get to know each other and may progress to other sports or activities depending on the befriendee's interests, goals & abilities.
Get to know an older person with Blackfriars Settlement
With an ageing population, more and more older people are at risk of isolation and loneliness as partners and friends pass away, children and grandchildren move away and the community around them changes at a fast pace. As a volunteer befriender with Blackfriars Settlement, you’ll be visiting an older person at their home once a week and you can spend time getting to know them. You might have the same interests – in music, chess, knitting, or reading. You’ll be making a big difference to the life of an older person.
Help reduce loneliness by befriending an older person with LinkAge Southwark
LinkAge Southwark are keen to recruit enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to join their befriending team to help older people to feel socially connected and a part of their local community. The most important thing about being a befriender is to simply provide regular company with the main aim of reducing social isolation. Activities could include a chat and a cup of tea, going out for a short walk or a local shopping trip, playing games or watching TV or a film together.
Questions about volunteering? Contact the King's Volunteernig team at volunteer@kcl.ac.uk to discuss your ideas and get advice.
Related Opportunities
We need KCL students who have a passion for reading to join our volunteer team and support the number of families in London we have on our books waiting to be paired with a Reading Volunteer.
The role of a reading helper places you in the heart of primary school life. You’ll be leading reading sessions that bring a positive reading experience to children outside of the classroom. Children will benefit from someone giving them 1:1 support.
We run a monthly three course meal for isolated older people with live entertainment. Volunteers are vital to the dinner as with out them it would not go ahead. They provide a variety of roles.
