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 60s. 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.
Since June 2021, we have begun a slow return to in person activities and are welcoming back small groups of members every Tuesday morning to the Albany. Members get involved with everything from singing to painting, from crafting to gardening. We also run our remote clusters programme, bringing groups of Meet Me members together on the phone to explore their creativity in many ways including regular making and poetry sessions.
Who we are looking for?
Our volunteers are a huge part of the smooth running of all of our weekly and monthly sessions. These volunteer roles are brilliant for people who like to meet new people, have a chat and try new things. And for those people who like to listen and support people depending on their needs and interests.
Skills and experience:
– Personable and Friendly
– Listening skills: these are really important to connect and work with our members and ensure their safety
– Experience working with older people or interest in supporting older people and their creativity – however previous experience is not essential
– Adaptable and Flexible: sometimes the activities might need to change and our volunteers need to be open to some different ways of approaching things in the sessions
– Some of our volunteers like to share their own creativity with Meet Me members, however there is no expectation that volunteers have any creative experience
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, over the phone or online sessions.
The next dates for these training sessions are:
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
– Supporting members who are unsteady on their feet or in a wheelchair (appropriate training will be given)
– 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!
– Support recordings for Meet Me on the Radio
– Tidying up of the space
Dates and Times:
Every Tuesday between 9:30am – 12:30pm
Meet Me at – Remote Clusters 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 – 2pm – 3pm
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.
Meet Me at the Movies at Deptford Lounge
A regular monthly film screening (with ambitions for monthly talks and discussions). It’s a relaxed and fun project.
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
– Supporting members who are unsteady on their feet or in a wheelchair (appropriate training will be given)
– Ensuring members have a cuppa and refreshments and settle into the session.
– Grabbing a seat, watching a film and chatting with members
– Tidying up of the space
Dates and Times:
Monthly on a Thursday afternoon
