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.