Chatty Café Volunteer – CareLink
People’s horizons can shrink later in life due to health issues, losing friends, or a drop in confidence after retirement. We believe later life shouldn’t be a lonely life.
Through CareLink, our volunteers build trusted relationships with older people and help them stay healthy, independent, and connected — both through regular telephone befriending and friendly social groups known as Chatty Cafés.
How CareLink Supports Older People
Regular telephone befriending calls at the same time each week
A trusted point of contact when people don’t know where to turn
Practical support and referrals to other services when needed
Gentle reminders about medication, appointments, staying warm, and eating and drinking well
Helping people identify local activities and offering initial support to attend
Chatty Café Volunteer Roles
We are looking for volunteers aged 18+ to support our Chatty Café Social Groups, bringing conversation, connection, and companionship to older people in the community.
Volunteer roles include:
Activity leaders or assistants
Refreshment preparers and servers
Drivers and/or chaperones
Mentors / Befrienders
Sessions usually last 2 hours, with some additional time for setting up or clearing away.
Chatty Café Locations
Monday: Abbey Hulton
Tuesday: Stoke and Burslem
Thursday: Hanley and Longton
Friday: Blurton
Time Commitment & Training
2 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months
A short training session (2–3 hours), delivered in one session or split over two
Training available in person or via Zoom
Enhanced DBS check required — arranged and paid for by us
Skills & Experience
Experience & Understanding
First‑hand experience of life transitions (e.g. retirement, divorce)
Awareness of how life events can affect wellbeing
Willingness to learn about local services and support options
Skills
Good listening and communication skills
Empathy and interest in older people
Non‑judgemental and encouraging approach
Respect for confidentiality
Honest, reliable, committed, and flexible
What You’ll Gain
New skills and experience to enhance your CV
Increased confidence and self‑esteem
Friendship and connection within a supportive volunteer team
A sense of wellbeing from giving back to your community
The satisfaction of knowing you are making a real difference
Support & Expenses
Full training before starting, including boundaries, confidentiality, and safeguarding
Ongoing support from a dedicated staff member
Reasonable expenses reimbursed, including travel and activity costs
If you can spare a few hours each week and would like to help make someone else’s day brighter, becoming a Chatty Café Volunteer is a simple way to make a meaningful difference.