We are looking for new volunteers!
We are looking for new volunteers to join the Meet Me team to support Meet Me at the Albany in person and remote activities.
What is Meet Me at the Albany?
In 2013 Entelechy Arts and the Albany, in partnership with Lewisham Council, established Meet Me at the Albany – an arts and social club for over 65s. Meet Me… is led by a vibrant and diverse community of previously isolated older people, who come together weekly to run a cross-art form social and creative programme to make friends, be creative, advocate for themselves, and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Lewisham.
On Tuesdays we get together at the Albany theatre in Deptford, and get involved with everything from singing to painting, from crafting to gardening. During the COVID pandemic we took our groups onto the telephone, and seeing the massive benefits these groups brought we have continued with our Meet Me on the Telephone programme. Find more detailed information further down this page!
Who we are looking for?
Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of our weekly and monthly sessions. These roles are perfect for people who enjoy meeting new people, engaging in conversations, and trying new things. They’re also ideal for those who like to listen and provide support based on individual needs and interests.
Skills and experience:
Personable and Friendly: We need volunteers who are approachable and easy to talk to.
Strong Listening Skills: Essential for connecting with our members and ensuring their safety.
Experience with Older Adults: While prior experience working with older people or supporting their creativity is beneficial, it’s not required—just an interest in doing so.
Adaptable and Flexible: Activities may change, so volunteers should be open to adjusting their approach as needed.
Creative Sharing (Optional): Some volunteers enjoy sharing their creativity with our members, but this is not a requirement.
What’s next?
Have a look at the opportunities below and get in touch for an initial chat. We will then invite you to complete a registration form and book you on to our next available training session. Training will cover safeguarding, setting boundaries and explore the programme. It is a chance to work through possible scenarios and ensure you feel confident to join us for one of the in person or over the phone sessions.
The next date for these training sessions is:
Get in touch
To find out more, call the Meet Me team on +44 7981 164938 or email Sophie on meetme@thealbany.org.uk
You can also read more about what it’s like to be a Meet Me volunteer in this blog by Christine.
The Meet Me programme and how you can get involved
Meet Me at the Albany – In Person at The Albany
All art forms including Choir and Garden activity.
Typical tasks and activities:
– Helping to set up and decorate the space and make it comfortable and welcoming for members
– Meeting and greeting members as they arrive at the Albany
– Ensuring members have a cuppa and refreshments and settle into the session
– Supporting members to take part in activities – this might be creative, sharing the lyrics for choir or it might be about heading out in to the garden
– Grabbing a seat and chatting with members!
– Tidying up of the space
Dates and Times:
Every Tuesday between 9:30am – 3pm (full day), or 9:30am – 12:30pm (half day)/12pm – 3pm (half day)
Meet Me on the Phone
This covers multiple art forms such as poetry and storytelling as well as general conversations.
Typical tasks and activities:
– Completing call arounds to the members to confirm they can attend a session
– Taking notes and time stamps from the sessions
Dates and Times:
Every Monday – 3pm – 4pm
Fortnightly on Wednesday – 2pm – 3pm
Meet Me on the Move at various locations
This is a project which supports older people to access and visit different cultural and artistic venues and other places of interest in and around London.
Typical tasks and activities:
– Support members who are unsteady on their feet or in a wheelchair (appropriate training will be given)
– Support people arriving/leaving in arranged transport
– Partner up with members and support their engagement in the visit/trip
– Be aware of health and safety requirements and support staff in keeping members safe while not at a home venue
Dates and Times:
This project happens about once a month on different days of the week. These will usually need a commitment of 3-5 hours per trip. Once dates for trips are confirmed these will be shared in advance.
