Why volunteer?
Volunteering is rewarding for the volunteer, charity, and our communities. Every conversation, visit, and shared experience helps support older people to feel valued, heard, and included.
Ways to volunteer
There are many ways to get involved, depending on your interests, skills, and availability.
Local Age Concerns offer a range of opportunities, which may include:
- Regularly visiting or calling an older person to build companionship
- Supporting community activities or group programmes
- Helping with events and awareness campaigns
- Providing practical support in the office
- Assisting with transport or outreach services
- Sharing your skills or professional experience
- Becoming involved in governance
Each local Age Concern understands the needs of their community and can help you find a role that fits.
Do you have time for older people?
One of the most impactful ways to volunteer is by becoming a visitor.
Our visiting volunteers spend time with an older person who may be feeling lonely or socially isolated. This might involve regular visits, a phone call, or simply sharing a conversation over a cup of tea.
These connections can make a real difference, building trust, improving wellbeing, and helping someone feel part of their community again.
You don’t need special experience to become a visitor. What matters most is your time, empathy, and willingness to connect.
I lost my wife 5 years ago and was also very lonely. Being a volunteer has given me a purpose and given me some company too.
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Share your expertise
There are also opportunities to volunteer with Age Concern New Zealand at a national level.
If you have skills or experience in areas such as health promotion, fundraising, communications, marketing, or governance, you may be able to support our national office. Contributing your expertise helps strengthen our work across Aotearoa and supports the wider network of local Age Concerns.
Why volunteer
Volunteering is not only about giving your time, it’s also about connection.
Many volunteers find that they:
- Build meaningful relationships
- Feel more connected to their community
- Develop new skills
- Gain a sense of purpose and fulfilment
Get involved
If you’re interested in volunteering, your local Age Concern is the best place to start.
They can talk with you about opportunities in your area and guide you through the next steps.
Together, we can help ensure older people feel connected, valued, and supported to live well.
The difference you make
Your support helps create a future where:
- Older people can maintain a valuable part in their communities
- Ageism is challenged and respect is strengthened
- Communities are better prepared to support an ageing population
