Current volunteer vacancies
Offering anything from an hour or two a month to six or more hours a week, our volunteers are valued members of The Balsam Centre team, and help us to extend the reach of our projects within the local community. We'd love to hear from you if you're interested in getting involved in any capacity, but we're particularly keen to hear from people who would like to volunteer in the following areas of The Balsam Centre's work:
Chat Cafe Cook
2-3 hours one Monday per month
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Our Chat Cafe group meets every Monday morning between 10-1p.m. We provide tea, coffee and company with the option of a light lunch. This gives people the opportunity to get out of the house, chat and meet new people in similar situations.
We are looking for cheerful and enthusiastic people who enjoy cooking for others to provide a simple lunch for the members attending our chat cafe and have some great chat along the way.
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All volunteers require a DBS check and a Level 2 food hygiene certificate, both of which are funded by the Centre.​​
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Nature Buddy
Flexible Hours
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Do you enjoy spending time outdoors and helping others? We're looking for volunteers to become Nature Buddies as part of our Step into Nature programme!
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You will support people to connect with nature, build their confidence, and take part in activities that can improve their health and wellbeing.
This role would suit someone with a keen interest in nature and being outdoors (you don't need to be a nature expert!). It would also suit someone who is friendly, approachable and a good listener.
Training will be provided.
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Grounds Maintenance
One - three hours a week
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We would love for someone to help us out with keeping our hard paths weeded and grassy paths strimmed among other light groundskeeping tasks.
If you think this might be for you and you'd like to join the volunteering team please get in touch.
Pop In and Play
1-2 Hours a week on Tuesdays (term time only)
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Pop in and play is a baby and toddler group for 0-5 year olds. It's a chance for parents/carers and their babies to socialise in a safe, enriching environment.
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This opportunity would suit someone who loves spending time with children and adults! The group format includes story of the month and singing at the end.
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Buggy Walker Leader
Fleixble hours
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This is a lovely volunteering opportunity to amble around Stourhead gardens, leading parents/carers and their babies. If you love a walk and a chat, this could be a great opportunity for you!
The walks run from March - October and take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
This role is suitable for someone who is a good listener and enjoys the company of others. The walk loops around the lake on a hard path so there is no need for wellies. The pace is gentle.
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Memory Lane Group Supporter
Flexible Hours
Memory Lane is a support group for people living with dementia and their family/carers.
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The group meet once a week to chat, play games, enjoy craft activities and experience music therapy. The group is run by our experienced project worker Sinani.
The main role of a volunteer in this group is to support Sinani the group leader by making drinks for the members and chatting with them while enjoying the activities. This is a lovely, gentle group and is well attended by the local community.
What's in it for you?
What's in it for you when you volunteer? Friendship, fun, a sense of achievement and satisfaction that what you do makes a difference. Volunteering can also lead to paid employment. Work of any kind is good on a CV but volunteering shows commitment and a willingness to contribute.
You can also learn new skills and get relevant training that will be useful in work, such as a Level 2 Hygiene Certificate if you want to move in to catering. Volunteering also increases self-confidence and can contribute to maintaining positive mental health.
Find out more
​​If you'd like to find out more about volunteering at The Balsam Centre, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Izzie Koch on 01963 31842 for a friendly chat. You’d be very welcome to come and visit us in person to see for yourself what the Centre does and get a feel for whether you’d like to get involved.