If you find a volunteer role you would like to apply for please complete the volunteering application form which can be found. Alternatively you can email our Volunteer Administrator at volunteering@hearingloss.org.uk or contact us by telephone at 020 7296 8285. If you have a hearing loss, please call 18002 0207 296 8285 for an assisted call.

This depends on you and what you do for us. You may be able only to give us couple of hours a week, or only volunteer at set times of the year, like school holidays. Whatever time you are able give us will be much appreciated.

Some of the volunteer roles may have a minimum time commitment and these are detailed in the role descriptions. For more details view the volunteering vacancies.

Some of the roles require a regular weekly commitment, while others are more flexible. Wherever possible we will try and tailor the time commitment around your availability.

If your availability changes then we will either change your role or find you something else to do that meets your requirements. For more details view the volunteering vacancies.

You will not be out of pocket if you do volunteer work for us. As a general rule we will refund reasonable travel expenses and provide meals and refreshments, depending on the amount of time you are with us each day.

All of our volunteering work is coordinated by our volunteer resource manager. Please contact us if you have any questions, would like to receive some more information, or are interested in helping Action on Hearing Loss but are unsure as to what opportunities there are for your skills or in your geographical area.

 

Any expenses you receive from Action on Hearing Loss will not affect your benefits, as they are a refund of payments you have had to make.

So, volunteering will not affect your Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance. If you receive Job Seekers Allowance, you have to actively look for paid work as well as volunteering, but the Job Centre should give you a bit more notice if they call you for an interview.

 

This will depend on the role you take on. For some roles, like working in one of our care homes, we need to undertake a criminal records disclosure check. For some of our campaigning work we do not need any references.

For most of our roles we will arrange an informal chat. This is a two-way process so that we can find out some more about you and you can find out more about the role you are interested in. It is also a chance to see the place where you may be volunteering and meet some of the other staff and volunteers.

The questions you may be asked will vary from role to role and you will get an opportunity to ask us questions during the meeting.

 

Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, different age groups and abilities.

Action on Hearing Loss is committed to achieving a diverse pool of volunteers. Our decision to work with you is based entirely on your ability to carry out the role.

We will try and match your skills and experiences to a suitable role. Your role and skills will depend on what you want to do. The pages in our volunteer database will give you details of any specialist knowledge you may need, for example, what level of British Sign Language you need.

We will also try to develop your skills where possible. We will provide you with training and support to carry out whatever role you agree to do for us.

Whatever you do for us we will make sure that you have everything you need. You will have someone within Action on Hearing Loss to help you in your role. You will be given a clear role description and regular support and training. You will also have an opportunity each year to review your role with someone.

That depends on the role you are doing. Some of our roles require very little training, but others, like supporting someone in one of our care homes, require quite a bit. At your informal chat we will be able to explain more about the training requirements for the role.

Of course you can! If you are unhappy about your role, or your availability or your ability to volunteer has changed, then you can stop volunteering.

Don’t worry. Talk to your volunteer coordinator as soon as you can and explain what the problems or reasons are. They may be able to find you something else to do if that is what you want, or make arrangements for you to "retire" from your role with us. Whatever happens we are very grateful for the help you give us.