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.
We would love you to watch our recruitment video below, to gain a better understanding of what becoming a Link volunteer would look like.
How to get 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.
Meet like-minded people
We have over 500 volunteers in our community! We match roles to each person’s skills and time. If you’d like to widen your social circle, volunteering with Link Visiting is a fun and meaningful 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 cuppa or trip out, you’ll soon become that person who makes someone’s day or week a better one.
Learn something new
You don’t need any specific qualifications to volunteer with us, and many volunteers tell us they gain new skills through befriending. We provide the training and support you need and are always here to answer questions.
Join our award-winning family
We were delighted and honoured to be awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 - 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.
“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.”
Stories of friendship
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.
Emma’s story
“Connecting with people at a critical point in their lives, and sharing their situation even just for a little while is a rare privilege. Volunteering for The Link has been significant and meaningful. Knowing that I help isolated people feel more connected and know that they are not forgotten, has made this all worthwhile.
It has been a super-organised, friendly. I feel well supported, communication is great. Sharing people's struggles (and their joys) is a precious thing. I don’t think I will ever forget some of the people whose lives I have had the privilege, briefly, to share.”
What we’ve been up to…
“It’s lovely to hear them talking and laughing together”