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Doorstep visit volunteer role
Christmas Cheer 2024
Join our volunteer family
Each year, our small team at Marmalade HQ are overwhelmed with how many kind people offer their time to support their community. Through our Christmas Cheer and Marmalade Companion projects, we reach out to those most at risk of loneliness, guiding them to vital support and empowering them to make new friendships and connections.
Joining us as a volunteer not only changes lives but also offers a chance to forge lasting friendships, enjoy meaningful experiences, and truly connect with your community. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning! Marmalade volunteers say they feel supported and valued and enjoy meeting new, like-minded people.
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Volunteers are at the heart of our Marmalade family, and we could not do what we do without you!
Role outline
As a Doorstep visit volunteer, you’ll visit two of our members on Christmas Day, have a chat on the doorstep and deliver a festive hamper gift. Find out how they are and bring a bit of Christmas cheer!​​​
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Our members
Our Marmalade members vary in age and ability, but all experience social isolation and/or loneliness and would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. Some of our members are housebound or don’t feel comfortable attending events so a doorstep visit can really make their day! One of our volunteers told us last year: "I arrived and my member was sitting in his porch with the door open. He was in his 90s and said he had had the door open for an hour, ‘because he didn't want to miss me’. I knew then, just how important this is."
Role criteria
Essential - You must:
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Be over 18
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Have two suitable references for a reference check and proof of identity (such as a driving licence or passport)
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Be able to attend a training session (online or in-person)
Please note, whilst most visits will require you to drive, some could be within walking/cycling distance (carrying the hamper box). For this role, we can accept families (of no more than four people) / couples, as well as those on their own.
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Commitment required
November 2024
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Attend a training session, either online via Zoom or in-person to give you information on your role and how to support project member(s).
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December 2024
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Three or four phone calls to the member(s) in the lead-up to Christmas.
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Collecting the hampers from a central pickup location
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An hour or so on Christmas Day - this factors in travel time and a 15-minute chat - each visit will be different. The visit will make a world of difference to those experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Visits are to be made anytime between 10:30 am and 2 pm.
Between Christmas and New Year
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Call member(s) to check in and wish them a Happy New Year.​
How to apply
If you meet the essential criteria above and would like to volunteer with us, please complete the volunteer form by 20 October 2024. If you have any queries about the roles please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Helen Ker-Bridges: Christmas@marmaladetrust.org | Phone: ​07942 359343. Once your application has been received, we will aim to contact you within 10 days to confirm availability and discuss your role. Your patience is appreciated as we are a small team. Thank you!
Other volunteering roles
This role involves collecting two members on Christmas Day and driving them to one of our host venues. You'll enjoy a meal with other volunteers and members, and help create a warm, friendly, inclusive environment. You'll transport members back home from the venue safely.
Perfect for: Friendly, reliable people with a car, keen to spread some Christmas cheer
This role involves driving one or ideally two members from their homes, driving them to one of our host venues, and driving them home again afterwards. This role is suited to volunteers who can spare approximately one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon on Christmas Day.
Perfect for: Friendly people with a car and around two hours to spare on Christmas Day
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This role involves hosting a Christmas Cheer event at a local pub or restaurant with one or two others. You'll liaise with members and venues, collect hampers before the event, help set up the venue as well as other important jobs to ensure the day runs smoothly for volunteers and members.
Perfect for: Organised, friendly and reliable people who make others feel special
This role involves visiting two of our members on Christmas Day, having a chat on the doorstep and delivering a festive hamper gift. Find out how they are and bring a bit of Christmas cheer. Some of our members are unable to attend one of our events, so a doorstep visit can really make their day!
Perfect for: Friendly, reliable people keen to spread some Christmas cheer
