At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate friendly gatherings for older adults, encouraging meaningful conversations and connections.
- Company: Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, make new friends, and contribute to reducing social isolation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your communication and leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Warmth, patience, and good listening skills are essential; no formal training required.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with training and support provided; perfect for high school and college students.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada (CCKC) is looking for volunteer facilitators for Talking Cafés, which are informal, drop-in gatherings that offer older adults a friendly space to connect, share stories, and enjoy meaningful conversation. Each Café is supported by a volunteer facilitator who gently guides the discussion and helps create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Volunteer facilitators play an important role in encouraging conversation and ensuring everyone feels welcome, helping maintain a positive, respectful, and supportive atmosphere.
Location: In Person (This position requires attendance in person)
Commitment: 1-3 hours per month, starting immediately. Volunteers are asked to facilitate Talking Café sessions lasting 1 to 1.5 hours each. Additional time may be needed to arrive 15–20 minutes early for setup and stay a few minutes afterward for feedback and notes. Sessions take place at various Kingston and Frontenac County locations, and volunteers can choose dates and sites that fit their schedule.
Required Qualifications:
- Warm, patient, and comfortable engaging in friendly conversation with older adults.
- Good listening skills and an inclusive mindset.
- Ability to gently guide group discussions.
- No formal training or professional background is required—full guidance and support are provided.
- All facilitators must complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) before beginning their role; the cost is fully covered by CCKC.
Position Responsibilities:
- Greeting participants and creating a safe and inclusive environment.
- Encouraging but never pressuring participation.
- Gently guiding discussions with open-ended questions when needed.
- Arriving early to set up the space and refreshments.
- Fostering a friendly, respectful atmosphere where everyone feels heard.
Volunteers can gain a rich and rewarding set of skills and experiences from being a Talking Café Facilitator. They develop confidence in leading small groups, guiding conversations, and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces. Facilitators strengthen their communication and active-listening skills, learn gentle techniques for managing group dynamics, and gain experience supporting older adults in a community setting. They also build meaningful connections, contribute to reducing social isolation, and experience the satisfaction of helping others feel seen and valued. Volunteers receive training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to grow personally and socially while making a positive impact in their community—one conversation at a time.
Talking Café Facilitator in London employer: United Way KFLA
Contact Detail:
United Way KFLA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Talking Café Facilitator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you step into that interview, do a bit of homework on Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills as a Talking Café Facilitator can align with what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and run through some mock interviews. Focus on how you’d create a warm and inclusive environment for older adults, and be ready to share examples from your past experiences that showcase your listening and guiding skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! When you’re in the interview, let your personality shine through. They’re looking for someone who is warm and patient, so don’t be afraid to show your genuine passion for connecting with others and making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation that resonated with you, and reiterate your excitement about the opportunity to facilitate those meaningful conversations at the Talking Café.
We think you need these skills to ace Talking Café Facilitator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for connecting with older adults and creating a warm atmosphere.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any experience you have that relates to facilitating conversations or working with groups. Whether it’s volunteering, school projects, or just chatting with family, we want to know how you can bring those skills to our Talking Cafés!
Show Your Commitment: We love volunteers who are dedicated! In your application, express your willingness to commit to the role and how you plan to manage your time effectively. Flexibility is key, but we appreciate knowing you’re in it for the long haul.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all the amazing applicants like you. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Way KFLA
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what a Talking Café Facilitator does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like creating a welcoming environment and guiding discussions. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since this role involves working with older adults, it’s crucial to demonstrate your warmth and patience. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy or helped others feel included. Share these stories during the interview!
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This means really paying attention to the interviewer’s questions and responding thoughtfully. It’s a key skill for the role, so showing that you can listen well will impress them.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the types of conversations that typically happen at the Cafés or how they support their volunteers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the community.