Doorstep visit volunteer role

Christmas Cheer 2025

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 Connections 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.

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 project members on Christmas Day, have a chat on the doorstep and deliver a festive gift. Find out how they are and bring a bit of Christmas cheer!

Our members

Our Marmalade project members vary in age and ability, but all experience significant social isolation and/or loneliness and would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. Some of our project 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: "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."

About the role

To be a Doorstep Visit Volunteer, you must:

Be over 18
Have two suitable references for a reference check and photo proof of identity (such as a driving licence or passport)
Be able to attend a training session this Autumn (online)

Please note: Whilst most visits will require you to drive, some could be within walking/cycling distance (carrying the gift). For this role we can accept families (of no more than 4 people) / couples, as well as those on their own. All adults on the visit are required to complete the application and onboarding process. Minors to do not need to, but please do inform us if they are coming, so that we can ensure we match you up with a project members appropriately

Commitment required

2 - 3 phone calls to the member(s) in the lead up to and shortly after Christmas.
You’ll collect the gift from our office in St Paul’s, or another Bristol pick-up point.
An 1 - 2 hours on Christmas Day - this factors in travel time and a 15 min chat - each visit will be different. The visit will make a world of difference to those experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Visits to be made anytime between 10am and 2pm. The exact time will be arranged between you and the project members in your pre-Christmas phone calls.

How to apply

If you meet the essential criteria above and would like to volunteer with us, please complete the volunteer form on our website here. If you have any queries about the roles please contact

Email: 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. Do check your email/ junk mail and make us a safe sender.

Please note: this role is now full. To join as a backup doorstep visit volunteer, please email us. You can also volunteer with our year-round Marmalade Connections project.