27/08/2026
Could you help us give Carers a warm welcome? 🤝
Sometimes simply being able to sit down with a cuppa and talk to other people who understand can make a huge difference.
Our peer support groups bring Carers together in friendly community venues across County Durham and Darlington, giving them the opportunity to meet others, share experiences, find out about support and enjoy some valuable time away from their caring responsibilities.
As a Group Support Volunteer, you'll help us make sure everyone who comes along feels welcome, comfortable and included.
If you're friendly, approachable and enjoy meeting people, this could be the perfect volunteering role for you.
What will I be doing?
You'll help create the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that makes our groups so valuable to Carers.
Your role could include:
• Helping prepare the venue before the group begins
• Making sure refreshments are available – a good cuppa is an important part of our groups!
• Greeting Carers as they arrive and helping them feel welcome
• Taking a little extra time to welcome anyone attending for the first time
• Helping people feel included and encouraging conversation
• Supporting the smooth running of the group
• Sharing information about upcoming DCCS events, activities and services
• Recognising when someone may benefit from additional support and letting the appropriate member of the DCCS team know
• Liaising with the Volunteer Team if a Carer would like contact from a Carer Support Coordinator
• Helping tidy the venue afterwards and leaving it as we found it
• Letting the Volunteer Team know about any issues or difficulties that arise
You won't be expected to provide advice or have all the answers. If someone needs additional information or support, your role is to help connect them with the right person at DCCS.
Who would this role suit?
You don't need any previous volunteering experience or specialist knowledge.
We're looking for people who are:
• Friendly and welcoming – particularly to someone who may be nervous about attending for the first time
• Approachable and a good listener
• Kind, patient and non-judgmental
• Comfortable talking to different people
• Happy to help people feel included
• Reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Respectful of confidentiality and people's personal circumstances
• Willing to follow DCCS policies and procedures
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who understands that sometimes a friendly face, a listening ear and a warm welcome can make all the difference.
What support will I receive?
You'll be part of the DCCS volunteer team and we'll make sure you have the support you need to feel comfortable and confident in your role.
We will provide:
• An induction to Durham County Carers Support
• Training relevant to your volunteering role
• Information about DCCS services so you know where to signpost Carers
• Ongoing support from our Volunteer Team
• Regular supervision in line with our Volunteer Policy and Procedures
• Someone to contact if you're unsure about anything or need additional support
Where volunteers are supporting our Parent Carer Groups, supervision and support will also be available from the Parent Carer Team.
Why become a Group Support Volunteer?
Our groups aren't just about providing information – they're about connection.
For some Carers, coming along to a group might be one of the few opportunities they have to get out of the house, meet new people or spend time with others who understand what caring can be like.
You could help turn someone's first nervous visit into a place they look forward to coming back to.
You'll also have the opportunity to:
• Meet new people
• Become more involved in your local community
• Build your confidence and communication skills
• Gain valuable volunteering experience
• Become part of the DCCS volunteer community
• Make a genuine difference to Carers across County Durham and Darlington
Help us make every Carer feel welcome
You don't need to be an expert and you don't need to have all the answers.
Sometimes the most important thing you can offer is a smile, a cuppa and the feeling that someone belongs.
If that sounds like something you'd enjoy, we'd love to welcome you to our team as a Group Support Volunteer 👥🫶🩷💜
➡Please register your interest here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/usLa9n1Ugn
