If it’s your first time volunteering, it’s sometimes not easy to decide on which volunteering opportunity is the right one for you. Why not volunteer with a charity who has been recognised with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for their exceptional work within their communities? We have a range of roles available so if you’re keen to use the skills you have developed in your personal and professional life, or wanting to try something completely different, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@opalservices.org.uk to discuss further.
Our volunteer roles help provide vital services to the older members of our community and their carers. These can involve general help and activities in our Clubs, IT training, driving, carer support, cooking and exercise classes and much more.
We have OPAL Clubs in 6 local areas of Frodsham, Helsby, Malpas, Tattenhall, Kelsall, and Tarporley. Other services are run from local cafes, churches and even people’s homes and of course, you don’t need to live in these areas to volunteer with us.
Our volunteers generally help out for an hour or two, once a week or once a fortnight.
Volunteering at OPAL is a great way to try something new, gain experience in working with older people. It is also a great way to meet new people and give something back by making a difference to someone’s life and connect with your local community.
Volunteering brings benefits to the individuals helped, to the community and to the volunteer.
Here are some of the things our volunteers have said about their role:
“I cannot say that volunteering with OPAL is truly selfless, as I gain so much from it. I have made new friends, tried new things, built up my self-confidence and feel a sense of pride working together with others to make a real difference in my community.” – Fliss, Tattenhall OPAL
“I find volunteering at Tattenhall OPAL Club very rewarding. I’ve been a volunteer there for 12 years so that really speaks for itself! It’s lovely to see the smiles on their faces and hear their news every week.” – Julie, Tattenhall OPAL
“I’ve been humbled to see how a little bit of my time can make such a big difference to someone else. And I didn’t anticipate how much I would gain from it too. I spend an hour or so with my ‘neighbour’ every week and smile for the entire time.” – Karin, Good Neighbour
“It makes you feel rather humble and I feel that I am putting something back into society.” – Philip, Malpas OPAL
“I enjoy being a telephone befriender for Opal. The lady I ring is so interesting and we have some lovely chats. I look forward to my weekly call to her.” – D, Telephone Befriender
“Volunteering for OPAL is important by helping to combat isolation and loneliness and is a really lovely way to meet new people.” – Jo, Helsby OPAL
“I started driving the minibus around 2 years ago. I have loved every minute and got to know lots of nice people. To think you can easily help the local community is wonderful.” – Geoff, Malpas OPAL
“Volunteering at Opal Club is so rewarding. You really feel like you’ve helped to provide an enjoyable social outing for the members and they are always so appreciative. It’s also great to feel part of a team and form friendships with your fellow volunteers.” – Karen, Frodsham OPAL
“I volunteer because I think that everyone who is able should make a voluntary contribution to society. Society depends on those of us who have retired from paid employment to continue to use any skills we have.” – Jane, Kelsall OPAL
“Volunteering at OPAL allows me to hopefully brighten up our members week with something to look forward to.” – Jim, Frodsham OPAL
“Volunteering for OPAL isn’t just about helping the members, it’s about making friends, especially with the other volunteers.” – Maggie, Frodsham
“I love the people I meet volunteering at OPAL, there is always a story to tell and a joke to be shared and I feel that I brighten up someone else’s day as much as they make a difference to mine.” – Jo, GoOnLine, Frodsham OPAL
“Befriending is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences I have had. I would highly recommend anyone to do it.” – Gill, Good Neighbour
“I enjoy volunteering at Malpas OPAL, all the members enjoy and appreciate the group, I enjoy doing it for that very reason !” – Janis, Malpas OPAL
“I really enjoy being able to have the opportunity to talk on the phone to those less able to get out. It’s so good to be able to share experiences & stories from their younger days. Especially listening to the way life was when they were growing up & being able to reminisce about the old days when I was a child & how life has changed. It is very humbling to listen to them & helps me appreciate my own life.” – Marie, Good Neighbour
“When I started volunteering with OPAL, I was new to the area; I really enjoy helping members at the club, and I’ve made some lovely new friends!” – Ali, Malpas OPAL
“Love to see the members engage and enjoy in the activities. A lovely way to contribute to the community.” – Nicky, Malpas OPAL
“My reason for volunteering is to find new contacts in the village, people I would not normally meet being in part time work and having grandparent duties, making local connections and enjoying using my skills to benefit others.” – Catherine, Malpas OPAL