At a Glance
- Tasks: Support older people through conversation and companionship at Chatty Cafés.
- Company: CareLink, dedicated to reducing loneliness in later life.
- Benefits: Gain new skills, boost your CV, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with ongoing support and training provided.
- Why this job: Connect with the community and enhance your confidence while helping others.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
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
Chatty Cafe Assistant in Longton employer: Vast Services: Investing in communities
CareLink is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture where volunteers can make a meaningful impact in the lives of older people. With comprehensive training, ongoing support, and opportunities for personal growth, volunteers not only enhance their skills but also build lasting connections within the community. By joining our Chatty Café initiative, you will experience the joy of companionship while contributing to a vital cause that combats loneliness in later life.
Contact Details:
Vast Services: Investing in communities Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chatty Cafe Assistant in Longton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research CareLink and their mission. Understanding their values will help you connect better during your interactions and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your listening skills. As a Chatty Café Assistant, you'll be engaging with older people who may have a lot to share. Being a good listener can help build trust and rapport, making your conversations more meaningful.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to local community centres or groups to see if they need support. This shows initiative and can lead to valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Chatty Cafe Assistant in Longton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to volunteer with us.
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with older people. Share any relevant experiences or skills that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives. We love hearing about your passion!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. Highlight your listening skills, empathy, and any experience you have that relates to the role. It’ll make a big difference!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Chatty Café Assistant role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vast Services: Investing in communities
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the Chatty Café Volunteer role and its responsibilities. Understand how your skills, like good listening and empathy, can make a difference in the lives of older people. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your genuine interest in supporting older people and building connections. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your understanding of life transitions and how they affect wellbeing. This will resonate with the interviewers and show your commitment.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask about the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training process, the types of activities you might lead, or how they support volunteers. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, demonstrate your listening skills by engaging with the interviewer’s questions. Nod, maintain eye contact, and respond thoughtfully. This not only showcases your communication skills but also reflects the qualities needed for the role.
