Do you have a heart for helping people who are lonely or in distress? Our core services include providing emotional and lifestyle support services. We are particularly community focused, striving to enlighten, support and empower members of the local community to improve their health and quality of life and achieve total well-being. If you can volunteer your time, from as little as two hours a week, Listening Ears would love to welcome you to our team. This role would be ideal for a volunteer seeking long-term position who is willing to commit to at least three months. From events to projects, fitness, lifestyle and health, there are a range of areas you can be involved. You could be required to do one or more of the following:
- Befriender (Community Angels)
- Project support worker
- Administrative support
- Fundraising
- Skill sharing
If you would like to support Listening Ears by volunteering please contact us to discuss available opportunities or complete the volunteer application form online
Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth ToksToyin Gregory
“My childhood was exceptionally happy and privileged! I was ‘Born…’ in the UK to Nigerian parents ‘…and Bred’ in Lagos, Nigeria. l was educated in both British and American curricular and graduated with a first degree in Zoology. I met and married an English scientist while working with the WHO (World Health Organisation). Later, I trained as a teacher and thoroughly enjoyed bringing up two daughters who are now mothers of our four grandchildren. My interests and hobbies are varied including Reading, Poetry, Storytelling and Writing, Debates, Public Speaking, Learning and Teaching Languages, Dance, Drama, Creative Arts and Crafts, Field trips, Camping, Cookery, Traveling/Tourism, Fundraising, and Volunteering. I also enjoy Teaching (anything to anyone), doing jigsaw puzzles, and listening to music in whatever spare time I have left in my busy day.
l have Volunteered with Listening Ears for about 15 years (since I met Toyin O. in 2007) The roles I enjoy the most are actively interacting with Service Users at the lunch clubs, other activities and events of Listening Ears and that of a ‘Community Angel’ in the Befriending Service of Listening Ears. These roles afford me the opportunity to ‘live my dream’ of lending a helping hand to, and interacting with the Elderly in the community. I am fulfilled when I can encourage someone to smile in spite of prevailing circumstances or difficult times. My positive interpersonal skills enable me to put cotented smiles on the faces of our Service Users and I am always rewarded with their varied expressions of gratitude.
I would encourage others to also take on volunteering, as it is my earnest desire to see our Old Age Pensioners live every day to the full and enjoy the dignity that comes with old age. I sincerely encourage people to make time to spend in the company of the elderly and glean from their wealth of experience! Every life has a Story to Share!