Volunteer Hub
Volunteer for Over 50s Mens Group
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: The Inspired Taskforce Men’s Breakfast Group is a welcoming weekly session for men aged 50+ to socialise, enjoy conversation and a free breakfast, and feel connected in a relaxed, friendly environment. The group aims to reduce social isolation and enhance wellbeing by bringing people together, offering a listening ear, and providing support & signposting when needed. Figures show that there are more than 1.2 million men over 50 report moderate to high social isolation, and around 710,000 report high levels of loneliness. Many men in this age group are reluctant to join social groups at first, so when the project started there was a small turnout but over time as trust and awareness grew the group has grown steadily, showing the power of consistency and a welcoming environment.
No formal qualifications are necessary, just the right attitude and approach. We are looking for a volunteer that is friendly, reliable, and approachable; good at having conversations and listening with empathy; comfortable working with older adults; patient and supportive (especially helpful for those who may be shy or anxious). Additionally, we are looking for a volunteer interested in wellbeing, social care, mental health, or community engagement, ideal for people studying subjects like social work, psychology, health & social care, community development, or mental health. The volunteer will be required to attend every Friday from approximately 10:15am to 12:15pm, helping to set up the room, engage members in social conversation, assist with teas and coffees, and support staff with cleaning and tidying up after the session.
This is a rewarding volunteer opportunity that offers: Valuable experience supporting community wellbeing and social engagement; Insight into how community support groups work ( great for CVs or portfolios); Hands-on skills in communication, active listening, and group support; Experience relevant to careers or studies in social care, psychology, mental health, community development, nursing, or allied health professions; The satisfaction of making a real difference to people’s lives and helping reduce social isolation.
No formal qualifications are necessary, just the right attitude and approach. We are looking for a volunteer that is friendly, reliable, and approachable; good at having conversations and listening with empathy; comfortable working with older adults; patient and supportive (especially helpful for those who may be shy or anxious). Additionally, we are looking for a volunteer interested in wellbeing, social care, mental health, or community engagement, ideal for people studying subjects like social work, psychology, health & social care, community development, or mental health. The volunteer will be required to attend every Friday from approximately 10:15am to 12:15pm, helping to set up the room, engage members in social conversation, assist with teas and coffees, and support staff with cleaning and tidying up after the session.
This is a rewarding volunteer opportunity that offers: Valuable experience supporting community wellbeing and social engagement; Insight into how community support groups work ( great for CVs or portfolios); Hands-on skills in communication, active listening, and group support; Experience relevant to careers or studies in social care, psychology, mental health, community development, nursing, or allied health professions; The satisfaction of making a real difference to people’s lives and helping reduce social isolation.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Oral Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Friday 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:
747 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester
Manchester
M19 3AR