****Volunteer Wanstead Activity Centre – Class Leader

About this role

Support and lead small group sessions for older people, creating a friendly, inclusive, and engaging environment. Encourage participation, build confidence, and help service users enjoy learning, socialising, or exploring new activities which you can teach or present to the group.

What will you be doing? 

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Lead or support existing group activities for older people (e.g. arts, crafts, games)

• Use your own hobbies, talents, or professional background to offer new and engaging sessions

• Deliver interactive or entertaining sessions such as:

• Music or performance-based activities

• Arts and crafts workshops

• Talks or presentations on interesting topics

• Quizzes or discussion-based groups

• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages participation

• Adapt your sessions to suit a range of abilities and interests

• Work with staff to schedule and plan regular or one-off activities

• Help set up and pack away activity materials as needed

• Share feedback or observations with the team to support continuous improvement

How would you be supported in this role?

• Full training is provided so you will be prepared for being a companion and know what to expect.

• Minimum 2 volunteers working with the service users.

• Regular contact with the Wanstead Activity Centre manager

• Regular supervision with the Volunteer Services Team

• You will also have support from our staff when you need it throughout your service.

• Out of pocket expenses and Travel expenses will be covered in line with our Expenses policy

• References available upon request (after 3 months)

What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, experience and qualifications 

Volunteer Class Leaders play a vital role in helping older people stay active, engaged, and socially connected. Many of our service users face loneliness, reduced mobility, or limited opportunities to take part in meaningful activities.

By sharing your time, skills, or interests, you can:

• Bring joy and variety to people’s lives through fun, creative, or educational sessions

• Encourage confidence and social interaction in a supportive group setting

• Offer new experiences that older people may not otherwise have access to

• Help reduce isolation by creating a warm, welcoming space for connection and learning

• Contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels valued

Your involvement can make a real difference—whether you lead a craft class, host a quiz, give a talk, or simply bring people together.

• Good communication skills – Able to engage a group and explain things clearly

• Confidence leading small groups – Comfortable taking the lead in a friendly, informal setting

• A passion for sharing your skills or hobbies – Whether it's art, music, crafts, quizzes, or storytelling

• Creativity and enthusiasm – Able to plan fun, interesting sessions

• Empathy and patience – Understanding the needs and pace of older participants

• Organisation and reliability – Able to prepare for and run sessions consistently

• Experience in teaching, performing, facilitating, or group work (useful but not essential)

• A positive, inclusive attitude – Open to all backgrounds and abilities

• Confident speaking in front of small groups

• Need to be 18+

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Where does this role take place?