Volunteering is a great way to make a meaningful impact in your community. At HIP, over 50 dedicated volunteers contribute more than 4,800 hours of their time each year, helping to support a wide range of local services and activities.
We offer a variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities to suit different interests and availability. Roles include community information reception, befriending, supporting the Jobs Club, helping to organise events and fundraisers, assisting with administration, providing IT tuition, and more. Whether you can commit a few hours each week or prefer to help out occasionally, there’s a role for you. Details of specific opportunities can be found below.
Information Centre Volunteer
This volunteer role involves welcoming and assisting members of the public who visit the community Information Centre, either for general enquiries or to get in touch with statutory organisations. Volunteers handle a variety of tasks, including answering phone and email enquiries, providing information or signposting to relevant services, managing bookings for events and meeting rooms, and taking payments for local books, leaflets and tickets. They also support the day-to-day running of the centre by helping with setup, using office equipment and keeping accurate records of all activity.
The role is ideal for friendly and approachable individuals who enjoy engaging with the public and are comfortable using IT and handling cash. Volunteers are expected to commit to at least one 3-hour shift per week, attend monthly meetings and participate in training as needed. Good communication, customer service skills and a willingness to learn are essential for this supportive and community-focused role.
Befriending Service Volunteer
The Volunteer Befriender role involves spending time each week with individuals over the age of 18 who may be experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Support is offered through face-to-face befriending in the service user’s home or in public spaces like cafés, libraries, or community groups. The aim is to improve emotional wellbeing, build confidence, reduce loneliness and help people reconnect with their communities. Activities may include chatting, going for a walk, attending social events, or simply offering companionship.
This role is suited to friendly, empathetic individuals aged 18 and over, who enjoy social interaction and are committed to giving a minimum of one hour per week. Volunteers must be open to induction training, ongoing support and supervision. In return, they gain the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life, build social connections and develop new skills. Travel expenses and the purchase of refreshments are reimbursed, and volunteers will need to provide two references and complete an Enhanced DBS check, which is organised and paid for by HIP.
Meet some of our volunteers and hear what they enjoy most about their befriending roles.
Jobs Club Volunteer
As a Jobs Club Volunteer, you will support the weekly running of the club, helping jobseekers find work, access training, or explore volunteering opportunities. Your responsibilities will include setting up the space, greeting members, offering refreshments, ensuring IT equipment is functioning and used appropriately, and assisting individuals with job-related tasks such as CV writing, online applications and accessing Universal Credit accounts. You’ll also help new members feel welcome, collect their information and guide them toward further support options like careers advice or external resources.
This role requires strong IT and communication skills, an understanding of confidentiality and a supportive, non-judgemental approach. Volunteers should be confident using Word and email, helping others navigate online systems and working with a range of people. A commitment of at least two hours per week is required, along with a willingness to attend team meetings and support other Jobs Club activities. Training and guidance will be provided, with additional support available from the Jobs Club Coordinator.
If you are interested in joining our team please call 01379 851917, email hip@harleston-norfolk.org.uk or download our Volunteer Application Form
