Volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of all we do at Marmalade Trust

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.

Marmalade Connections

Marmalade Connections is a time-limited, phone-based service supporting people to form lasting connections in their community with highly personalised signposting to social activities. Volunteers receive training to make a weekly call to members focusing on their specific needs and interests. These conversations lead to volunteers signposting them to local social activities and community support, to improve their social connections. Learn more about this life-changing project >

This project runs for up to 15 weeks across much of the South West. We are delighted to be accepting volunteer applications for 2025. If you have any questions, please write to us at info@marmaladetrust.org, or give us a call on: 07566 244788.

Apply now

Meet Vicki, one of our brilliant volunteers...

Christmas Cheer

For 13 years, we have brought cheer and companionship to anyone who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day. Everyone is made to feel part of the Marmalade family, with a free festive lunch in a pub or restaurant in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, or a doorstep visit from a friendly volunteer, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. Members are those who feel particularly lonely and isolated this year, for example, a person of an older age who may have no family or friends around.

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Stories of connection

Our three step approach

Loneliness can often feel overwhelming and something out of our control, so it can be useful to have a starting point. To help you and others to feel less lonely we have framed it into three parts.