Media Volunteer
Independent Age are looking for Media Volunteers aged 65 and over across the UK to help us raise awareness of the experiences of financial hardship in later life in the media.
The cost-of-living crisis has hit many hard. Every day, we hear from older people and their families about the challenges they are facing, from rising costs to difficulties accessing appropriate support and information. Our Media Team help ensure that these stories are heard by as many people as possible, by working with national and local media to secure interviews and coverage.
As a Media Volunteer, you would play a vital role in raising the profile of these experiences, by speaking to and appearing on the television, radio and in the press. We receive a lot of requests from the media asking to interview or speak with older people about what they are facing, so you would be part of a group of volunteers that would help us by speaking to the media about your personal experiences of financial hardship in later life.
The role involves
Speaking to the media and press about your experiences of financial hardship in later life. For example, about how the cost-of-living crisis has affected you, any changes that you’ve had to make in your life to pay for essentials, or your experience of accessing any information, advice, benefits or services that have helped your situation.
Sharing your personal experiences when relevant and appropriate
Having photos taken or providing your own images to the media
Getting involved in filming or photography to be used by Independent Age, for example, video content for our website or social media channels such as Facebook
Taking part in interviews over the phone, video calls or in person according to requests from the media
What experience do I need?
To be a Media Volunteer you don’t need any previous media experience and full training for the role will be given by our volunteering and media teams. This includes training about the work of Independent Age as well as specific training on how to speak to the media. Our media team would also been on hand throughout your volunteering to support you as much or as little as you would like. We are looking for volunteers aged 65 and over who have or are currently experiencing financial hardship for this role.
This is a flexible volunteering role with no set time commitment, and you can agree to media opportunities as works best for you. The requests that we get from the media and press can come in at any time, so this role would suit someone looking for a flexible volunteering role. We would always check with you before giving your details to a journalist and you will always have the final say over how your name and story is used.
To find out more about the Media Volunteer role, take a look at the role description.
Benefits to you
- Fully flexible volunteering role that can fit around other commitments.
- An opportunity to meet new people.
- Make a difference.
- Develop new skills and experiences.
- A chance to help others and be part of something.
Find a volunteering opportunity near you.
What happens after I apply?
After you’ve applied to become a Media Volunteer, a member of the Volunteering Team will give you a ring to have a chat, get to know you better and answer any questions that you might have about the role.
You will also be required to undertake induction training before starting the volunteering role.
If you are interested in being a Media Volunteer, please contact us by email or phone using the details below to request an application form.
Got questions?
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Media Volunteer, a member of our Volunteering team would be delighted to chat with you. Please get in touch using the details below.
Telephone: 020 7605 4255 Email: volunteering@independentage.org