HALE relies on a network of dedicated volunteers to help us work with people in the Shipley area, and we’re always looking for more! 

Volunteering is a great way to give something back to the community as well as making new friends and learning new skills.  All HALE volunteers receive full training and we provide expenses to ensure you’re not left out of pocket when giving up your time.

You can get involved in a number of ways, including:

Befriending – our Befriending volunteers spend an hour a week with an older person who has become isolated, helping to provide not only much appreciated company but also a valuable connection to the wider community. 

Translators – our Stepping Stone Networker scheme welcomes volunteers who can help us communicate with our clients in a range of languages.  This could be through attending meetings, translating letters, or by helping us to produce information sheets.

Office volunteers – we’re always looking for help around the office!  Or you could support our Development Workers running one of our activities.

If you’re interested in volunteering for HALE please contact us on 01274 271088.

We asked one of our current volunteers for feedback on her experience volunteering for HALE.  Here is Maike's story:

"My name is Maike and I've been volunteering with HALE for just over 3 months, working alongside the Communications Worker, Katy. 

I had been unemployed for a long period and wanted to do something productive with my time so I started looking for volunteer opportunities.  After reading about HALE I felt that this was an organisation which I wanted to be a part of, so attended a meeting to see what I could do for them.  I was very sceptical at first as I have had bad experiences with volunteering previously - roles which left me underused and feeling that no one was really gaining anything positive from the experience.  Once I met some of the staff and learned where I could fit in I felt nothing but excited and positive!

The work I do whilst volunteering for HALE is varied and fun!  I get to use my creativity to help come up with poster designs, create display boards and much more, I also attended their 2011 AGM making windmills and engaging with the local community.  All of the staff are very friendly and make me feel like I’m part of the team, and they have catered my volunteering role around what I want from the experience.

I'm getting so much out of my time here at HALE such as meeting new people, gaining new experiences, showing potential employers I'm work ready and having a current reference.  On top of all that I'm having fun whilst doing something positive with my spare time.  I hope I can be a part of the work HALE do for a long time!"