Volunteers are vital to Langdon’s mission to support our Members to live independently. Volunteers help us to go above and beyond the practical, turning average days into fulfilling and meaningful experiences.

Volunteers can get involved in every aspect of Langdon life. From helping a Member take the bus, reading a book, cooking, doing puzzles or playing football to working in our offices, colleges, youth clubs and New Chapters, fundraising or mentoring.

Crucially, volunteering is about friendship. Some Members feel very anxious about social situations and can become isolated. We ‘buddy’ volunteers and Members who meet regularly for the simple pleasure of enjoying an activity with another person. We always welcome more volunteers.

Last year, Langdon participated in the Speaking Out Forum, an exciting project that aims to build confidence, skills and self-esteem through public speaking. Twelve Langdon Members were matched to volunteer mentors from many different backgrounds who coached them in speech writing, breathing, body language and projecting their voices. The project concluded with Members delivering speeches at Speakers House, Westminster.

Langdon is proud to have been awarded the JVN kitemark for Good Practice in Volunteer Management.

This is a recognition of robust processes that result in successful volunteer relationships. Relationships that last longer benefit our volunteers and our Members, ensuring a fair approach and equal opportunities for all.

Thank you to all of our volunteers and coordinators for all of your help and hard work.

‘I love the variety in this volunteer role, which has given me the opportunity to host a 4-week cook along sessions via Zoom as part of a healthy eating initiative for the activities team. This developed my skills such as communication and IT which has been useful in my career. It makes me want to continue helping in any way possible.’

– Nav, Langdon Volunteer

My volunteer role at Langdon is as a yoga teacher. It’s not a competitive sport and it’s a nice way to build up strength, with all the breathing involved it really helps to calm people. I want people to enjoy the sessions so I make sure to check what everyone likes, if they tell me what they want to do I try and provide that.’

– Lisa, Langdon Volunteer

‘I volunteer once a week to coach a group of young men football in London. It’s nice because they’re very engaged, they obviously love the game and they respond well. It’s a very positive experience; in the past, I’ve volunteered for NGO’s in the Philippines but this is my first time being directly involved with Members.’

– Franco, Langdon Volunteer