my example

Cycling Without Age Sheffield

We take older people out on cycle rickshaws to feel the wind in their hair and enjoy visiting local parks. Usually we do this in partnership with care homes.

Pilot (Cyclist Befriender) 2020/21 (expression of interest)

This opportunity takes place until 31 Aug 2021.

Click here to apply and set up your volunteer profile

We cycle Rhubarb and Ginger (our tri-shaws) to allocated care homes and then take out two passengers at a time to local parks. It's a time for chatting, waving, and enjoying being outdoors. Our volunteers are called pilots.

Please note: recruitment for this role is currently paused as the activity is only able to happen on a very limited scale at the moment, but you can still apply to register your interest and a member of the team will contact you about volunteering in the future.

What skills do I need?

> confident at urban cycling (no need to be super sporty, the bike is an e-bike) > friendly > interested in chatting with older people > enjoys being outdoors > reliable

What will I gain?

It's really fun being out and about on Rhubarb our tri-bike, we get lots of smiles and waves! Our passengers really enjoy it (we get lots of repeat trips) and it's lovely to share the experience with them, hear their stories and chat about what's around. You will get to know Sheffield a bit better, be part of a group of volunteers age 20s - 70s and might even get a bit fitter!

Training and support

Training (time commitment about 10 hours) > 3-4 hour tri-bike training session in a small group of 2-3 people taking in road and park cycle routes. > evening meeting care home induction > your first ride or two with care homes we will pair you with an experienced pilot > we are in the process of organising Dementia Friend training. Ongoing support > we have a ride feedback process and a lively pilots WhatsApp group to share tips, report problems and hatch plans. We have pilot socials and occasional planning workshops.

Time commitment

We ask volunteers to volunteer once every 2-3 weeks. Each session is about 2.5 hours. All our regular sessions are daytime on weekdays. Pilots sign up for specific slots so day or week can be varied to suit changes in your schedule, and to avoid busy times or holidays.

Food

Travel

Yes

Childcare

DBS (criminal records) check

Yes

Location

All our volunteering slots start/end at Nuffield Health (S11 8HA).

Travel information

Nuffield Health is a 15 minute walk from Sheffield University or from the city centre, close to the 'Waitrose roundabout'.

CausesOlder people, Social isolation, Sport and exercise
FrequencyEvery 2 weeks
WhenWednesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning, Thursday afternoon, Friday morning, Friday afternoon
Skills and InterestsBefriending, Communication skills, Outdoors
Careers and AspirationsPsychology, Social work, Third sector and charity work

Featured Opportunities

Spring into Action, with our 4 Weeks of Action campaign

We are raising awareness and understanding of 4 key themes and their Sheffield context : Food Poverty, Loneliness, Nature & Wildlife, and Refugees & Asylum Seekers. There are lots of ways to get involved with in-person or remote volunteer roles, and join our campaign on social media!

Volunteering Celebration Event!

The Volunteering Committee invites you to the annual Volunteering Celebration Night on Thursday 22nd April, 7 pm - 8 pm, via Zoom! It has been an unusual academic year, but this is a night of celebrating and appreciating all your hard work and contributions to Sheffield Volunteering. Fill out this form to attend.

Volunteer from home

We are all facing stricter socialising regulations but you can stay connected to Sheffield and its communities, by volunteering with a local Sheffield charity remotely! Check out these remote volunteering opportunities...