Volunteer Hub
Volunteer Opportunity: Arts & Crafts Facilitators
Organisation Details
Inspired Taskforce
Sub theme: Health and Wellbeing, Mental Health, Older people
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: The Inspired Taskforce began as a small but determined initiative focused on addressing growing challenges faced by older residents in our communities. As neighbourhoods became less age-friendly, our mission was clear: “Creating a better world for older people”.
Initially the campaigning arm of the Inspired Peoples Project (2014–2020), we led several local campaigns championing needs of older adults such as: Cab Driver Training (Trained taxi drivers to understand the needs of older-people); Caught Short (Local businesses allowed older-people to use their toilets); Take-a-Seat (Local Businesses allowed an order people to sit down in their stores and rest; and this also led to joint work with Manchester City Council & Age-Friendly-Manchester on installing Age Friendly benches on the Highstreet); Grey-Graffiti-Gang (Highlighted pavements, potholes for local councils to repair). In 2021, Levenshulme Inspire decided to part ways with the Inspired People's Project, which led to its rebranding as The Inspired Taskforce. That same year, the Taskforce became a fully independent CIC from Levenshulme Inspire, a significant milestone that brought opportunities and challenges.
Without financial aid, we worked tirelessly to keep the project running. COVID-19 brought new difficulties for us as an organisation and for our members. Instead of stopping, we chose to step up and respond creatively to the needs of our community. During the pandemic, we launched several vital initiatives, including Meal Buddies on Wheels (delivering meals to older people), Digital Inclusion Projects (supporting older adults to use technology and stay connected), and a Phone Tree Service (where staff and trustees volunteered to call members during lockdown); Delivery service (medication and shopping). These projects ensured that even in isolation, our members remained supported, connected, and cared for. These services reached over 1000 individuals in our key areas. As COVID restrictions eased, we responded to the surge in social needs by running socially-distanced groups & later expanding to other activities that promote connection and wellbeing.
Today, we are now a registered charity continuing to deliver impactful community projects & support services for older residents.
Through social groups, advocacy, education, and care, we continue to create a better world for older people. We run activities six out of seven days a week, offering a wide range of sessions from chair-based dance exercise classes to book clubs, and digital skills sessions to Sunday lunches, and many more (see our website for more information). While our public-facing activities are well attended and appreciated, our staff members are committed to go the extra mile for our members, and in moments of compassion, care, and responsibility they go beyond their official duties. In fact, we’ve provided home & health support to several members showing how we go beyond group activities to offer practical, day-to-day help. These impactful interventions improve quality of life, independence, and personal safety for those who often struggle to manage alone.
The Inspired Taskforce leads community campaigns that promote wellbeing and civic engagement. A year ago, we launched a Healthy Lifestyle Initiative, providing free fresh fruit for members as healthy breakfast options before sessions. We also begun a Fly-Tipping Campaign, led by our dedicated trustees (nine older residents from our local area), who have met with local councillors and neighbourhood officers to analyse the issue, developed educational posters to encourage responsible action, and successfully reported over 50 cases of fly-tipping. Through these initiatives, we continue to empower older people to take an active role in improving their community and enhancing their wellbeing.
A few months ago, we also launched a Free Information, Advice & Guidance Support Service for over-50s, held every Thursday. In just three-four months, we’ve supported over 30 individuals, offering one-to-one help with a range of practical issues including filling out applications, communicating with GPs, housing concerns, and general wellbeing support. The service has become successful providing reassurance and practical help where it’s most needed.
Through our work, we continue to grow in numbers, and we have built recognition built on care, trust, and meaningful human connection.
Initially the campaigning arm of the Inspired Peoples Project (2014–2020), we led several local campaigns championing needs of older adults such as: Cab Driver Training (Trained taxi drivers to understand the needs of older-people); Caught Short (Local businesses allowed older-people to use their toilets); Take-a-Seat (Local Businesses allowed an order people to sit down in their stores and rest; and this also led to joint work with Manchester City Council & Age-Friendly-Manchester on installing Age Friendly benches on the Highstreet); Grey-Graffiti-Gang (Highlighted pavements, potholes for local councils to repair). In 2021, Levenshulme Inspire decided to part ways with the Inspired People's Project, which led to its rebranding as The Inspired Taskforce. That same year, the Taskforce became a fully independent CIC from Levenshulme Inspire, a significant milestone that brought opportunities and challenges.
Without financial aid, we worked tirelessly to keep the project running. COVID-19 brought new difficulties for us as an organisation and for our members. Instead of stopping, we chose to step up and respond creatively to the needs of our community. During the pandemic, we launched several vital initiatives, including Meal Buddies on Wheels (delivering meals to older people), Digital Inclusion Projects (supporting older adults to use technology and stay connected), and a Phone Tree Service (where staff and trustees volunteered to call members during lockdown); Delivery service (medication and shopping). These projects ensured that even in isolation, our members remained supported, connected, and cared for. These services reached over 1000 individuals in our key areas. As COVID restrictions eased, we responded to the surge in social needs by running socially-distanced groups & later expanding to other activities that promote connection and wellbeing.
Today, we are now a registered charity continuing to deliver impactful community projects & support services for older residents.
Through social groups, advocacy, education, and care, we continue to create a better world for older people. We run activities six out of seven days a week, offering a wide range of sessions from chair-based dance exercise classes to book clubs, and digital skills sessions to Sunday lunches, and many more (see our website for more information). While our public-facing activities are well attended and appreciated, our staff members are committed to go the extra mile for our members, and in moments of compassion, care, and responsibility they go beyond their official duties. In fact, we’ve provided home & health support to several members showing how we go beyond group activities to offer practical, day-to-day help. These impactful interventions improve quality of life, independence, and personal safety for those who often struggle to manage alone.
The Inspired Taskforce leads community campaigns that promote wellbeing and civic engagement. A year ago, we launched a Healthy Lifestyle Initiative, providing free fresh fruit for members as healthy breakfast options before sessions. We also begun a Fly-Tipping Campaign, led by our dedicated trustees (nine older residents from our local area), who have met with local councillors and neighbourhood officers to analyse the issue, developed educational posters to encourage responsible action, and successfully reported over 50 cases of fly-tipping. Through these initiatives, we continue to empower older people to take an active role in improving their community and enhancing their wellbeing.
A few months ago, we also launched a Free Information, Advice & Guidance Support Service for over-50s, held every Thursday. In just three-four months, we’ve supported over 30 individuals, offering one-to-one help with a range of practical issues including filling out applications, communicating with GPs, housing concerns, and general wellbeing support. The service has become successful providing reassurance and practical help where it’s most needed.
Through our work, we continue to grow in numbers, and we have built recognition built on care, trust, and meaningful human connection.
Description of role: Happy Mondays Group
We are a small community charity looking for volunteers to support our arts and crafts workshops for over 50s, either by leading creative activities or by supporting participants during sessions.
This opportunity would suit: Students studying Art, Fine Art, Design, Crafts, Creative Practice, Social Care, Psychology, Education, or related subjects. Anyone with a creative interest or a caring, patient nature; People looking to gain experience, build confidence, and make a meaningful difference.
Our Monday group is called Happy Mondays and runs Mondays from 2:40pm to 4:00pm. It is a friendly, welcoming group that is very much youthful at heart. They use this creative space to also connect on a social level with others. Creative workshops have been proven to be the most attended ones, and also has had an impact in the wellbeing of our members.
About the roles:
Some volunteers may wish to deliver a one-off arts or crafts session, such as painting, collage, textiles, or simple creative activities. We have a small budget to help cover materials and are very open to ideas.
We are also looking for session support volunteers to give a helping hand during workshops. Some of our members have limited mobility in their hands, and others are adults with learning disabilities who benefit from one-to-one or small-group support to fully take part. This role involves sitting alongside participants, helping with materials, encouraging them, and supporting their independence.
Commitment
We are not looking for weekly commitment. This role is very flexible:
You can help with a one-off session
Support sessions monthly
Or volunteer just once by leading a creative workshop, if that’s all you can offer
Even a single session can make a big difference to our members.
What we can offer: As a charity, we don’t have funding to pay facilitator fees. However, we can offer: Valuable hands-on experience; References for future jobs, placements, or studies; a supportive environment to learn and build skills....A genuinely rewarding experience, working with a group who truly appreciate your time.
Our members love creative activities and value the support and connection volunteers bring. Many attend for wellbeing and social connection, and your presence can help ensure everyone feels included and supported.
If you’re creative, kind, patient, and interested in supporting others — whether by leading or assisting — we would love to hear from you.
Please get in touch for more information or an informal chat.
We are a small community charity looking for volunteers to support our arts and crafts workshops for over 50s, either by leading creative activities or by supporting participants during sessions.
This opportunity would suit: Students studying Art, Fine Art, Design, Crafts, Creative Practice, Social Care, Psychology, Education, or related subjects. Anyone with a creative interest or a caring, patient nature; People looking to gain experience, build confidence, and make a meaningful difference.
Our Monday group is called Happy Mondays and runs Mondays from 2:40pm to 4:00pm. It is a friendly, welcoming group that is very much youthful at heart. They use this creative space to also connect on a social level with others. Creative workshops have been proven to be the most attended ones, and also has had an impact in the wellbeing of our members.
About the roles:
Some volunteers may wish to deliver a one-off arts or crafts session, such as painting, collage, textiles, or simple creative activities. We have a small budget to help cover materials and are very open to ideas.
We are also looking for session support volunteers to give a helping hand during workshops. Some of our members have limited mobility in their hands, and others are adults with learning disabilities who benefit from one-to-one or small-group support to fully take part. This role involves sitting alongside participants, helping with materials, encouraging them, and supporting their independence.
Commitment
We are not looking for weekly commitment. This role is very flexible:
You can help with a one-off session
Support sessions monthly
Or volunteer just once by leading a creative workshop, if that’s all you can offer
Even a single session can make a big difference to our members.
What we can offer: As a charity, we don’t have funding to pay facilitator fees. However, we can offer: Valuable hands-on experience; References for future jobs, placements, or studies; a supportive environment to learn and build skills....A genuinely rewarding experience, working with a group who truly appreciate your time.
Our members love creative activities and value the support and connection volunteers bring. Many attend for wellbeing and social connection, and your presence can help ensure everyone feels included and supported.
If you’re creative, kind, patient, and interested in supporting others — whether by leading or assisting — we would love to hear from you.
Please get in touch for more information or an informal chat.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: One day / week only
Start date:
Opportunity times: Monday Afternoon
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2
Location:
Levenshulme Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Road, Levenshulme
Manchester
M19 3AR