Join us as a volunteer
Without our amazing team of volunteers (many of whom also have experience as Carers), we would not be able to provide many of our services. Could you share your skills and experience to help others?
There are lots of different opportunities for volunteers at Carers Support East Kent. You could:
- organise and attend Carer drop-ins, support groups and social activities
- provide phone support for Carers
- raise awareness of Carers and our services in the community
- help with administration and fundraising
- deliver training workshops for Carers
- be a volunteer driver
We provide training, support and travel expenses for our volunteers.
Kathryn: I wanted to give something back
Kathryn from Ramsgate is a volunteer with Carers’ Support East Kent’s Young Adult Carer team and also a long-term Carer for her father.
“When I left school, I took part in the National Citizenship Service. It was the first time I’d told anyone outside my family or close friends that I was a young Carer. I thought I didn’t need support, that things weren’t bad enough but I was put in touch with Carers’ Support East Kent, which really helped. Now I volunteer for them, going on day trips with Young Adult Carers and helping with online communications. They’ve supported me through lots of things in my life, and now it’s my time to give back. I know what it’s like to be a young Carer and it’s nice to know that a conversation with me could be the thing that changes things for the better for someone.”
Ken: You can make a positive difference to the lives of others
Ken is a retired ship’s engineer from Deal. He was a Carer for his partner for a number of years and still cares for his stepson. After many years of support from Carers’ Support East Kent, Ken wanted to give something back.
“I volunteer for Carers’ Support in a number of ways – running one of the monthly support groups, organising activities to give Carers a break (such as walks and exercise classes) and helping with publicity events. I get a great sense of achievement and fulfilment from knowing that I am positively helping and supporting Carers. Joining in the social activities also provides me with enjoyable social interaction. I’d really recommend volunteering for Carers’ Support East Kent. Whatever role you undertake, you have the pleasure of seeing what a positive difference you make to the lives of others.”
Chris: Carers’ Support stood out as the charity I wanted to get behind!
Chris is a volunteer from Birchington. His mum had been a Carer for his dad for 13 years so when he came across Carers’ Support East Kent he decided it was a charity he wanted to get behind.
“After an enjoyable initial meeting and a well organised induction (and a DBS check of course) I was given responsibility for a couple of regular venues; a monthly Age UK dementia ‘drop-in’ session in Whitstable and a table at my local village Medical Centre.
These afternoons are made worthwhile, every time someone stops for a chat because they recognised they were a Carer or were beginning to find things getting tougher. I always remember that I am an ambassador for the charity and often people’s first point of contact. I try to offer a friendly, listening, empathetic and encouraging ear. I have also attended a number of ad-hoc events; some promotional and some welcoming Carers to functions. I have enjoyed them all, as I have the team events.”
If you’re interested in joining us as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Email volunteer@carersek.org.uk or call 0300 302 0061 for an informal chat.