Are you short on time but looking to make a difference? Do you like to strike up conversations? Or are you someone who enjoys helping others to feel better informed? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then this could be the perfect volunteering role for you! 

Our Information Champions help spread the word about Independent Age and our advice services in their local area. This could be by distributing our information guides in the local community or attending local events with our resources. 

Independent Age provides free and impartial information to people over the age of 65 to help them get the most out of older age. Our award-winning guides are full of information to help people in later life boost their income, remain independent, choose the right place to live, stay connected with others and plan for the future.  

We know that not everyone in need of the support that we offer knows where to look or what’s available. This could be because they aren’t digitally engaged so struggle to find information online, are socially isolated or are experiencing financial hardship which makes finding support more difficult. Our Information Champions are vital in helping raise awareness of the support we offer and bridging this gap in their communities.  

This role involves  

• A quick and straightforward application process so you can get started right away. 
• Researching places in your local community to distribute our information guides.  
• Building networks in your community.  
• Distributing the guides in your local community, for example in local libraries, community centres, GP surgeries, on notice boards, in shops or cafes or other public places. 
• Connecting with our network of volunteers, including other Information Champions, through our Facebook Group and virtual events.  
• Attending drop-in sessions designed to specifically support you in your role. 

To be an Information Champion you don’t need any specific skills, although knowledge of your local community and basic IT skills would be beneficial. You can commit as much or as little time as you like to this volunteering role, on the days and times that work best for you. We just ask that you keep us informed of the places where you’re distributing our information guides.  

You don’t need a car to do this volunteering role and can get around your local area by public transport, foot or bike. Reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. We will provide you with resources to help you order our information guides and think about how and where to distribute them. We’ll keep in touch regularly to support you.  

To find out more about the Independent Age Information Champion role, take a look at the role description.

What might this role look like for me? 

Well, that’s up to you!  

Whether it’s mentioning our guides and services to an older relative or neighbour who needs support, ordering guides for your local community centre or engaging with local organisations supporting older people – it all counts and helps older people to stay better connected and informed.  

This is a flexible role, we simply ask that you give as much or as little as you can to support our work, in the ways that you feel comfortable doing so. Getting our information into spaces where those that need it have a better chance of accessing it is really important. So, if speaking to new people isn’t what you’re ready to do just yet, then maybe taking a few guides with you whilst you walk your dog or sharing our guides as part of activities you’re already doing, may be better suited to you. You can even get creative and come up with activities tailored to you and your experiences.  

Benefits to you

• Fully flexible volunteering role that can fit around other commitments.  
• An opportunity to meet new people. 
• Make a difference and feel more connected to your community  
• Develop new skills and experiences.  
• A chance to be part of something.