Hosts – The Good Company People in Crowborough

The Good Company People is a dementia-welcoming community organisation offering practical help, friendly groups and one-to-one support for people growing older. We believe ageing should still mean growing together with older adults, carers, and people living with dementia or facing changes in how they think, feel or live day to day.

Role Purpose

To help older people and carers stay connected, enjoy hobbies, and feel part of a welcoming community. As a Host, you’ll help create the warmth, laughter, and sense of belonging that make our Clubs and Circles special, supporting members to enjoy shared activities, reconnect with others, and feel valued and included.

Role Description

As a Club Host, you’ll be part of a friendly team that helps each Good Company Club or Circle run smoothly. You’ll chat with members, support them to take part in activities, and make sure everyone feels welcome and involved. You’ll help create an atmosphere that feels calm, joyful, and “normal”, especially for those living with dementia or experiencing cognitive changes.

What You’ll Do

• Welcome members and make sure everyone feels included and valued
• Engage members in conversation about their lives, hobbies, and interests
• Support members to enjoy activities at their own pace
• Help create a relaxed, welcoming environment
• Encourage laughter, fun, and connection through shared experiences
• Assist with refreshments or simple set-up and tidy-up tasks
• Notice any changes in members’ wellbeing and share insights in team briefings or debriefs
• Contribute your insights to TGCP’s Know How, our shared learning on ageing well

Time Commitment

The time commitment depends on the Club or Circle you support:

• Typically 3–4 hours per month for smaller Clubs (e.g. Walking Club, Games Club) or Circles
• Typically 10–12 hours per month for larger or more complex Clubs (e.g. Lunch Club)
• 1–2 hours per month for reflection, learning, team connection, and social activities
• Occasional participation in training sessions or volunteer development events

Hours are flexible and can be arranged around your other commitments.

You’d Be Great For This If You Are:

• Warm, friendly, and naturally welcoming
• A good listener who enjoys chatting with people
• Patient and adaptable, especially around different needs or abilities
• Comfortable being part of a small, supportive team
• Passionate about reducing loneliness and supporting older people and carers
• Keen to help others feel included and valued

You don’t need experience, just kindness, curiosity, and a willingness to be Good Company.

What You’ll Get Out of It

• The joy of making people feel seen, heard, and connected
• Experience supporting people living with dementia or cognitive changes
• Opportunities for ongoing learning and personal growth
• Know that your work makes a real difference to older people and carers in your community
• Flexible hours that fit around your life
• Be part of a supportive, caring team of volunteers
• Connection, friendship, and lots of laughter along the way
• Mileage and expenses covered, plus recognition for your contribution

Training and Support

You’ll receive full training to help you feel confident and supported in your role:

• Introduction to Good Company (5 hours, in person)
• Safeguarding (1.5 hours, online)
• Host Training (5 hours, in person)
• Dementia Awareness (90 minutes, online)
• TGCP Dementia Training (1 day, in person)
• Manual Handling (online video)

Ongoing support includes regular supervision, mentoring, and learning opportunities, including quarterly all-team meetings, and regular training and social sessions to connect with fellow volunteers and share experiences.

This role requires a DBS check, however we will cover the cost. Clubs and Circles run Monday‑Saturday with a mixture of daytime and evening activities. We work across the High Weald, with current activities based mainly in Crowborough, Uckfield, Wadhurst, and Ticehurst.

For more information please either come in and see us at Wealden Volunteering, or call us on 01825 760019, or email us at office@wealdenvolunteering.org.uk