Volunteer Tea Party Host
Our volunteer tea party hosts aged 18+ are a vital part of our team.
Tea parties provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work as tea party hosts. You will:
Host a group made up of volunteer drivers, the group coordinator and older guests in either your home or a community venue. The tea parties will last around two hours and will usually take place on a Sunday afternoon. You must be comfortable socialising with people and providing guests and other volunteers with refreshments
Welcome a group of older guests and volunteer drivers into your home or to the community venue
Provide and serve refreshments for your group – usually food and drinks for afternoon tea.
Liaise with your group coordinator to ensure dietary requirements and the older guests' needs are met prior to the tea party
Inform the group co-ordinator of any safeguarding concerns or issues you might have
Follow all guidance in your host training modules to ensure that the tea parties are enjoyable, appropriate, and in line with our charitable aims
It is important for the older guests to have access to a downstairs toilet. They will also require seating; a combination of lounge chairs and hard back chairs is fine
The number of older guests attending your tea party will be confirmed by the group co-ordinator prior to the group meeting so you have plenty of time to plan.
Don’t worry if you don’t have chairs for all the drivers as they will be circulating and helping you if required, so you can enjoy the afternoon too. A lot of stairs can present problems, although just a few steps are usually manageable.
What’s in it for you?
This is a fun and rewarding role which will enable you to connect with lonely older people and make a real and lasting difference to their lives.
We are looking for hosts with the following skills and attributes:
Organised. Good conversational skill. An enthusiasm for making genuine connections with older people in your community. A friendly, patient and empathetic approach. Passion for entertaining, providing food and refreshments. Basic understanding of food hygiene. Basic computer literacy (including the ability to use email).
Time commitment: A suggested time commitment would be hosting one to two tea parties a year but more if willing!
Expenses reimbursed: Out of pocket expenses are not reimbursed.
Training provided: Full training is provided. Also support and regular communications from your group co-ordinator
Selection procedure: Informal discussion, application form completion, one reference and complete an ID check for this role. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact us using the form below.