Lead Host – 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. We work 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 ensure Good Company Clubs and Circles run smoothly, safely, and enjoyably for every member. As a Lead Host, you’ll create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, support the Host team, and help members feel valued, included, and connected. You’ll be the calm, capable presence that keeps things running beautifully, from welcoming members and leading activities, to making sure everyone leaves with a smile.

Role Description

As a Lead Host, you’ll work closely with the volunteer Host team to ensure Clubs and Circles are safe, inclusive, and provide joyful experiences for members. You’ll lead pre-briefings, ensure the team understands members’ needs, and oversee the flow of activities, refreshments, and interactions. You’ll keep an eye on how things are running, step in to support Hosts when needed, and make sure every member feels comfortable, seen, and supported. After each session, you’ll help capture learning and feedback to make the next one even better.

What You’ll Do

• Welcome members and Hosts, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere
• Lead pre-briefings to ensure Hosts know the members' life stories and hobbies to spark conversations, make connections and initiate hobbies
• Carry out a quick safety and accessibility check of the venue and ensure first aid kit is accessible
• Welcome members and make introductions to Hosts and members so everyone feels comfortable and has an enjoyable time
• Organise and oversee refreshments, ensuring dietary needs are met
• Walk the room to ensure all members are included and supported and step in to help Hosts when needed
• Notice any changes in members’ wellbeing and share insights with the Concierge
• Lead a debrief and complete the Review sharing insights from Hosts of what worked, any concerns and suggestions for the next session
• Send photos from Clubs and Circles using the Review Form in line with our Photo and Video Consent process
• Be the Club’s trained First Aider, responding calmly to any incident
• Hold regular check-ins with the Hosts on your team to share feedback, ideas, and support
• Contribute your lived experience to The Good Company People’s shared Know How, our shared learning on ageing well
• Contribute to the development of the Good Company pilot

Time Commitment

Lead Hosts take on extra responsibility to make sure Clubs and Circles run safely and smoothly. Hours can vary depending on size and frequency:

• Typically 6–8 hours per month for smaller Clubs (e.g. Walking Club, Games Club) and Circles
• Typically 12–14 hours per month for larger or more complex Clubs (e.g. Lunch Club)
• 1 hour per month for Lead Host meetings
• 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 can also take on this role as a Co-Lead Host, sharing responsibilities with another volunteer to support each other and your Host team.

You’d Be Great For This If

• You are organised, calm, and confident leading others
• A great communicator who enjoys teamwork
• Warm, approachable, and good at reading the room
• Practical, observant, and quick to solve small challenges
• Passionate about reducing loneliness and supporting older people and carers
• You don’t need to be an expert; if you care about people and enjoy making things happen, you’ll shine in this role.

What You’ll Get Out of It

• The satisfaction of making each Club and Circle a safe, joyful space
• Opportunities to develop leadership and organisational skills
• 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

A DBS check is required for this role; 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.