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Organisation Spotlight: Staywell

This week, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Staywell, an independent, award-winning charity that’s been at the heart of the community for nearly 80 years. As we approach their milestone anniversary in 2026, Staywell continues its incredible work supporting older people and fostering connections that enrich lives. 

Tell us a little about your organisation (what do you do, what is your mission, how long you have been active, where are you based in the borough etc):

At Staywell, our mission is to empower older people and their carers to live with independence, dignity, and a sense of community. We’re passionate about breaking down barriers and helping people embrace their full potential—whether by staying active in their homes, engaging with their neighbours or making new friends. 

With hubs in New Malden and Kingston, we offer a wide range of services including Home from Hospital and Handyperson, with holistic, evidence-based programmes tailored to the needs of our users. We believe in the power of bridging generations by engaging younger volunteers in meaningful ways in our work. 

Want to learn more? Check out our website for all the details!

Why do you want to involve volunteers in your organisation?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Staywell. By giving your time, you’ll directly help improve the lives of older people, combatting isolation and fostering community spirit. 

But it’s not just about giving back—volunteering brings personal rewards, too. Research shows that volunteering boosts health and wellbeing, especially for older adults. It’s a fantastic way to: 

– Stay active and sharpen your skills after retirement or during a career break. 

– Build new skills and gain valuable experience. 

– Kickstart a new career path—many Staywell volunteers have joined our staff or moved into rewarding roles elsewhere. 

What volunteer role/s do you have available?

We have a variety of volunteer roles to match your interests and availability: 

Day Centre Volunteer: Help run activities, serve lunches, and support older adults at our day centres in New Malden and Kingston. 

Volunteer Befriender: Provide companionship to isolated older adults, either through home visits or outings to local parks, cafes, or libraries. Prefer phone-based volunteering? Join our telephone befriending service! 

Information, Advice & Guidance Volunteer: Help our team guide older adults in claiming life-changing benefit entitlements. 

Digital Volunteer: Use your organisational skills to support our marketing, publicity, and digital administrative tasks. — A whizz taking photos and videos on your phone? How about taking engaging photos for our social media and publications?

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for your organisation?

At Staywell, every volunteer makes a tangible difference. You’ll find friendship, fun and the joy of being part of a warm, supportive team. Most roles require no prior experience— we provide the training you’ll need to carry out your role and ongoing support to help you succeed. 

Whether you’re looking to make new connections, explore a new path, or simply give back, there’s a role waiting for you. 

Ready to start your volunteer journey? 

If you’re inspired to support older people in your community, apply today to volunteer with Staywell. Stay connected with us on their website, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

Not sure where to start? Check out our resources page for guidance on finding the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. 

We’d love to welcome you to our team—let’s make later life a greater life together!

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Thank you very much to Staywell for completing our spotlight form. Are you interested in supporting older people in your community? Apply to volunteer at Staywell here! Alternatively, keep up with the service on their 

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here. 

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Organisation Spotlight: Larch Club


Today’s organisation spotlight is on Larch Club, a social club for adults with (high functioning) autism run by Kingston Eco-Op. The club focuses on creating a space where members can socialise, make new friends, and express themselves. Members can partake in a range of activities, including board games, arts and crafts, and music.

Tell us a little about your organisation

The Larch Club was established in 2023 as a social club for adults with autism (without a learning disability). This is in response to a lack of local services following the social impact that the covid lockdowns had on people with autism. It is a member led group focussing on creating a safe, social space for members to socialise, take part in activities and go out on trips.

Why do you want to involve volunteers in your organisation?

Volunteers help improve the clubs ability to adapt to the individual needs of the members. With help we can plan for events, activities and trips that support the clubs aims.

What volunteer role/s do you have available?

The Larch Club runs from 5:30 to 8pm on Thursdays at Kingston Library. Volunteers will assist staff in setting up, running the club, tidying up at the end and planning for the future.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for your organisation?

The Larch Club would be invaluable experience for anyone interested in social care, nursing, psychology or counselling. I began the journey in my career as a MIND volunteer so appreciate that interpersonal skills benefit greatly from experience. Training and travel expenses are available. Personal or private experience of autism is desirable.

Thank you so much to Christ from The Larch Club / Kingston Eco-Op for your time! Do you want to give back to your community? Become a volunteer for The Larch Club  here ! Want to find out more? Check out their website, X,  Instagram, and Facebook page.

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here. 

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Organization Spotlight: Voices of Hope

Today’s organization spotlight is on Voices of Hope, a Kingston-based charity dedicated to bringing hope to people and their communities through community based projects. Voices of Hope often works with people struggling with complex physical and/or mental health issues, families experiencing food insecurity, women who have experienced abuse/domestic violence, and the elderly.

Tell us a little about your organisation:

Voices of Hope is a locally founded charity in Kingston Upon Thames with a focused reach into SW London. We are dedicated to bringing hope to individuals and the wider community, improving physical and mental health through community-based projects. We work with people struggling with complex physical and/or mental health issues, families experiencing food insecurity, women who have experienced abuse/domestic violence, and the elderly. We see those we reach as people who need support, encouragement and empowerment – not as problems which need solving. Our mission is to restore people, give them hope to rebuild their lives, and to equip them both practically and emotionally. We aim to achieve this through creative and inspiring projects focused in the 3 areas of Creative Arts, Food, and Women’s projects.


Why do you want to involve volunteers in Voices of Hope ?

Volunteers are an invaluable resource to our organisation, helping us to grow and thrive towards our cause. Their diverse skills and perspective bring unique expertise and fresh ideas that can enrich BRITE Box project. Community engagement is a big part of our organisations goal, building trust and enhancing our reputation.

What volunteer role/s do you have available?

The BRITE Box project, which operates under the umbrella of VOH, is a meal kit provided to families to help tackle food insecurity, helps build cooking skills as well introduce healthy recipes to children. Sessions run on Thursdays and Fridays term time only. We currently need more volunteers for the Friday (9.30 am – 12 noon) session, where volunteers place all other ingredients into the boxes, seal and have them ready for delivery to schools.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for Voices of Hope?

Having been a volunteer myself with this amazing food project, has taught me the benefits of giving back to the community and meeting new lovely people from diverse walks of life. It helped me start back my career path, after being away for 4 years from the workforce. If you like contributing, meeting new people, love food projects and ideas come join us!

Thank you so much to Lakshmi from Voices of Hope for your time! Do you want to give back to your community? Become a volunteer for Voices of Hope here ! Want to find out more? Check out their website, X, YouTube Channel, Instagram, and Facebook page.

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here. 

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Organisation Spotlight: Barnfield Riding for the Disabled

org spotlight barnfield riding for the disabled

This week’s organisation spotlight is on Barnfield Riding for the Disabled, an organisation that helps disabled children and adults experience the therapeutic benefits of horse riding.

Hello, please could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about RDA?

We’re Barnfield Riding for the Disabled, and we’re a registered charity that has been going for 40 years. We set up because we recognised there was a shortage of this kind of therapy in the area. Over the years, many riding opportunities for disabled people have closed down. We’ve got about 85 disabled riders a week that use this facility, so from a volunteer’s perspective we need an army to deliver the facility. 

We’ve got a total of 15 horses, 10 of which are working horses and 5 of which are in training. We’ve got one of every size because our riders are from 5-75 years old so we have a variety of horses in all sizes to cater to child and adult riders. When we look for horses to do this job, there are specific requirements. Horses have to be of a very special nature to look after disabled riders – they have to be calm and kind. That’s something that can’t be taught. 

On top of that temperament that they have to have goes a lot of training and time. We have to have confidence that they will do the job well. What you have to remember is that horses are, well, horses – they’re prey animals. 

We’re surviving in an environment where every inch of land is being squeezed out for housing. Right now, we try to work quite closely with local schools and nurseries and brownies.  We will tell the children a story about each horse, and at the end of the session we’ll get the horses out and teach them how to groom them. 

These may be working ponies but they’ve got the life of luxury. At the moment we’ve got a new little pony that’s causing a stir. She is called Peggy and she is the most beautiful thing you ever saw and was abandoned by the roadside, and I got lots of requests to rescue her. I trekked all the way over to Cambridge to find this little pony. She could’ve been abused, she certainly was starved. This little pony – talk about life lessons – is the most grateful little pony, she is so well behaved, well mannered. She’s got a new best friend called Annie. Peggy has taken Kingston by storm! 

peggy, a pony at BARNFIELD Riding for the disabled. She is a black and white pony with blue eyes.
Peggy! Photograph by Barnfield Riding School

Could you tell us a little more about the project? How might a volunteering session go at Barnfield Riding for the disabled?

In terms of volunteering we have a whole host of different roles. The principal roles are to facilitate these sessions. These could be a riding session, a therapy session or a horse care session. Anything to do with horses requires training so we have to offer a horse training package for each volunteer, to get accustomed to horse behaviour. Volunteers are trained to side-walk. Each person riding a horse will need two side-walkers in case they lose their balance, and one person to lead the horse. In total, we need three people to help with the horses. A lot of volunteers love coming to us because they’re learning such a wonderful skill – taking care of horses.

Some volunteers just want to come and care for the horses – get involved with feeding, grooming and preparing the horse for sessions. Other people might want to come and be at the stables – doing maintenance work, DIY, gardening or cleaning tack (bridles). People also like to get involved in fundraising or help with the website. The list just goes on – people forget that it’s not just about looking after horses. The deliverance of what we do is so wholesome – people want to be outdoors, the community gets so involved with what we do. For example, we have an annual open day to come together and learn about what we do, and how you can join us to make this organisation even better. 

What can volunteers learn by volunteering with Barnfield Riding for the Disabled?

On top of learning about horses – and there’s a hell of a lot to learn about horses – we also learn about life skills. Animals have an uncanny way of grounding you – the life skills that you learn from being around horses are things like patience, caring, equality, not being judgemental, never ever getting angry. You learn so much about honesty – animals are so honest, and they know when you’re not being honest. They just teach you to be a good person.

I work as an animal communicator – animals have a fantastic way of communicating with you, they can’t speak but they have a fantastic way of knowing how you feel. They were born very innocent like people – but people only change through their life experiences, and animals stay very kind. 

Finally, any funny stories?

 I had a group of children come to visit from the local nursery, and this boy put his hand up at the end of the session. He said: “my dad says he’s really worried about losing his job because the computers are taking over, but you must not be worried because the only person who could take your job is a robot horse”.

Thank you so much to PatsyAnn from Barnfield Riding for the disabled for your time! Interested in teaching the next generation to take a stand against climate change? Become a volunteer for Barnfield Riding for the disabled here ! Want to find out more? Check out their website and Facebook page.

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here. 

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Organisation Spotlight: The River Thames Boat Project

org spotlight river thames boat project

Today we’re speaking to Hannah Bottomley, Education Manager at The River Thames Boat Project. The Thames Boat Project is dedicated to making the River Thames accessible for people of all ages and abilities, providing cruises and educational activities along the river.

Hello, please could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about the River Thames Boat Project?

My name is Hannah Bottomley and I’m the Education Manager at the River Thames Boat Project. The project has been running since 1988. We have two boats which are used for the two arms of the charity – one for cruising, generally for elderly or vulnerable clients, like groups from care homes, veterans, disability support groups and young carers too. Our other boat is used for education – we run a couple of primary school educational programmes so we get classes to come for a day session and we teach them about the river and environment. Our aim is to connect people with the river – and we want to work with people who might not have this opportunity. 

Could you tell us a little more about the project? How might a volunteering session go at the River Thames Boat Project?

Our two boats are very different – the one we use for education, Thames Venturer, is a converted dutch barge – a big boat, the most iconic of the two. It’s been modified for accessibility, and now features a lift for wheelchairs. A volunteer on the education side of things might begin at 9am, setting up equipment for science experiments. The classes tend to arrive at around ten. Our volunteers will take the roles of teachers or teaching assistants, working with the children to complete basic science experiments. Volunteers are supported by the adult visitors that come with the school children. They are normally with us 9 until 3.

Our other boat, Thames Discoverer, is used for cruising and is the smaller of the 2 boats. It’s got large windows so all our clients, including people in wheelchairs, can enjoy the scenery. We provide half day cruises for 3 hours, or full day cruises for 6. Volunteers will arrive an hour before the client to ensure everything on the boat is ready and the engine is running smoothly. We’ll then collect the client from the departure point. Our volunteers have a mix of duties – crewing (working with the ropes and fenders e.g. when passing through a lock) and hosting the clients. Many of our clients might not have had a conversation outside their care home, so hosting is all about making them feel valued. 

A lot of our cruises focus on the therapeutic value of being by the river. There is some science to suggest that being on or by the water is even more relaxing than being in woodland or other clam spaces. Our cruises allow guests to really take in the river from an angle they might not have seen before. Volunteers are welcome to talk about sites on the river with the clients, like Hampton Court Palace. Sometimes we’ll provide activities for the clients, especially if they’re young children. A firm favourite is clay modeling – the activity is linked to the river which has a bed of clay, and the groups often make lots of fish. In the past we’ve had nursery school groups make boats out of recycled materials, encouraging learning about the river in a sustainable way.

A lot of our volunteers might not know anything about boats, but we provide full training – volunteering with us is a learning opportunity. Volunteers can choose what they get involved in, some only do cruising, some only do the educational side of things, some do both. There’s a lot of flexibility, because training relates to both education and cruising. 

What can volunteers learn by volunteering with the project?

Teaching and teaching assistant roles allow volunteers to learn some of the (science, geography and environmental) education that we share. They’ll also learn public speaking skills, some volunteers really come out of themselves. Volunteers will also learn people management, especially when dealing with 8-10 children on board!

When it comes to cruising, learning opportunities are endless. You can learn to be a deckhand, a starting level in crewing – you’ll learn to use fenders, to tie the ropes. You can also learn to be a skipper (boat driver). We also do a lot of inhouse maintenance – for those who are interested, there are loads of opportunities to learn how to fix things. 

Any funny stories?

We get a lot of really nice feedback – we’ve had kids that come up to us at the end of the day and will say “i’ve had a fantastic day” completely unprompted. We also get children asking if there are sharks in the Thames at Teddington – one of the team will often suggest that we test by feeding some children to them. An idea that normally receives squeals of delight!

Are you interested in volunteering with the River Thames Boat Project? Apply to be a cruising volunteer here or an education volunteer here. 

Want to learn more about the project? Check out their website here, or like their Facebook page!

Not sure where to begin with volunteering? We have a wealth of resources to help new volunteers available here. 

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Eggs, in many baskets.

Easter, with its moveable dates, its complex mixture of general holiday, sporting weekend, chocolate centric themes and occasionally the first sign of proper spring weather, is a reflective time. This year’s Easter weekend was no exception. In volunteering terms, Easter does not have the focus that Christmas and New Year period can generate. Nevertheless, Easter is a good representation of the wide range of volunteer opportunities that take place or are available.

Flexible Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is no longer just turning up twice a week at the same place and performing a regular service. Today, volunteers want more variety, Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIO’s) are interested in more flexible volunteers, the range of skills required and experience needed is so much more eclectic than was the case even just five years ago. Volunteers don’t put all their eggs in one basket anymore.

Whilst the 2020-2022 Covid centric experience wasn’t where groups like GoodGym were formed, it was where that flexible responsive nature had a positive light shone on it. Likewise with bite-size and micro volunteering, it was the ability to positively contribute without having to commit to set hours/days which attracted a new cohort to the positives of volunteering. As articulated in blogs past, the age dynamic for volunteers has shifted markedly since 2019, whilst it is easy to just note the decline in “time-rich” older volunteers it is a mistake not to acknowledge the balancing that has taken place with younger, more pro-active volunteers stepping up.

Like all supply and demand situations, there is always a slight lag between the request for flexible volunteering opportunities, or multi-micro volunteering, and the availability to meet those requests. VIO’s however do seem to want to meet the expectations of a new approach, however it tends to be the traditional structures, delivering for communities already, that get priority. Balancing the two is key to ensuring volunteering stays relevant and popular – taking for granted that there will always be volunteers waiting would be a mistake. As anyone who checks in regularly at www.volunteeringkingston.org.uk the evolution of opportunities, from static to organic, will continue in 2024, and the more the merrier for this new approach.

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Huge boost for volunteers and good causes as council recommissions Volunteering Kingston project

Residents, charities and community groups across the Royal Borough of Kingston will continue to benefit from a bespoke volunteer matchmaking service as Kingston Council recommissions Groundwork London to deliver the Volunteering Kingston project.

The project will continue to run from April 1st 2023 to 31st March 2026 with options to go to 31st March 2027 and 2028, bringing even more local volunteers and organisations together.

Groundwork is a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK. It shares the council’s focus on creating vibrant, green neighbourhoods and strong communities.

Between 2018 and 2023, the Volunteering Kingston project built strong and lasting partnerships with local groups across the borough. It was instrumental in supporting the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers during the pandemic. Leveraging these strengths, Volunteering Kingston will be introducing more innovative and tailored services to enable people in every corner of the borough to participate in volunteering and serve the communities they call home. Some of these new developments include:

  • New training opportunities for new and prospective volunteers
  • ‘Pop-up’ and outreach activity in new areas
  • One-to-one training and best practice advice slots for organisations working with volunteers
  • A multi-partner approach to annual events and volunteer appreciation
  • Involvement in the borough’s Community Hubs project
  • A four-year volunteering strategy, co-produced with stakeholders

Sarah Whitby, Community Operations Manager at Groundwork London said:

“Volunteering Kingston is committed to creating a positive impact by continuing to play a vital role in bringing the community together and creating meaningful connections through volunteering. We’re delighted our stewardship of Volunteering Kingston since 2018 has been recognised by the new commission, and we look forward to further expanding opportunities and enhancing the experience volunteering gives all those who get involved.”

Leader of Kingston Council Andreas Kirsch said:

“Empowering people and strengthening our communities is a key focus for the council, and volunteering can play a vital role in this. The power of volunteers and volunteering has been clearly demonstrated in the local response to both the Covid pandemic and the current Cost of Living crisis. We are committed to supporting Kingston to be a thriving borough where opportunities to get involved in volunteering and make a real difference to your local community are accessible to all.”

If you live, work or study in the Royal Borough of Kingston, you can find a volunteer role by browsing our current opportunities.

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Volunteering Kingston’s Community Impact Continues: Renewed contract brings exciting new opportunities in the Borough

Groundwork London is pleased to announce that the Volunteering Kingston project has been recommissioned from April 1st 2023 to continue providing a Volunteer Centre service within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

Building on the strengths of the experience garnered between 2018 and 2023, including the work undertaken in the pandemic, Volunteering Kingston will be cascading out new services tailored to ensure all parts of Kingston Borough can volunteer and serve the communities they live in.

Sarah Whitby, Community Operations Manager at Groundwork London said “we are pleased our stewardship of Volunteering Kingston since 2018 has been recognised by the new commission, we look forward to further expanding the opportunities and enhancing the experience volunteering gives.

Browse our current volunteering opportunities!

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Got an idea for a group or club?

There is a great opportunity emerging from the RBK Library Service. They are inviting individuals and groups to use their library spaces to share skill sets and passion that others would find useful or enjoy. If you have an idea that you would like to share with others but are unsure how to go about it or where to hold it, then read on further to find out more.

The RBK Library Service can offer you the space for free and support you with the setting up and promotion of your idea. Whether it is learning new skills, sharing passion, a one-off or a long term venture, they are keen to hear from Kingston residents who are fourteen and over.

As social distancing is the present priority, initially they can offer a virtual room to develop your idea with the intention of bringing it into the physical space once it is safe to do so.

Some examples of groups that have been set up are craft groups, a book club and Ki Gong. You could also set up a group to support a cause that is important to you, such as the environment or tackling loneliness. Whatever your idea, please contact Giselle at giselle.monbiot@kingston.gov.uk to speak further about this.

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Doing good makes you feel good

Mental Health Week 2020 is upon us and with everything going on in the world, it is important we take some time to reflect on our mental wellbeing. 

The theme for this Mental Health Awareness week is Kindness. Acts of kindness like simply checking in on an isolated friend or neighbour is time well spent.  

It is also important to remember to be kind to yourself. The NHS recommends 5 top tips to look after your own mental wellbeing: 

  • Connect with others 
  • Keep a regular routine and set goals 
  • Manage your social media and news intake 
  • Do things you enjoy & try something new 
  • Look after your body by staying hydrated, eating well and getting daily exercise 

Volunteering is another excellent way to boost our mental wellbeing as it: 

  • Provides routine and structure. 
  • Increases self-esteem and confidence 
  • Imparts a sense of fulfilment 

     

There are so many ways we can help ourselves by helping others, this is a great opportunity to volunteer to support the most vulnerable members of our community. Whether that is with a local organisation through the Kingston COVID volunteering scheme or simply picking up the phone and calling a friend or relative to see how they are feeling. Find out more about how you can get involved in volunteering in your borough.