Volunteer Hub
Thursday Morning Volunteer for Chair dance exercise session for over 50s.(starting from May 2026)
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: We are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic volunteer to help with our Thursday morning exercise sessions. This is a fun and active role where you will support older adults in a welcoming and social environment.
Tasks you will be involved in:
Helping set up the room before the session
Serving teas and coffees to participants and assisting where needed
Engaging socially with participants; chatting and checking in, especially with those sitting alone.
Supporting during the chair dance session (10:30am–11:30am), including helping participants as needed
Assisting with bingo, raffle, and quiz activities after the exercise session until 12:00pm
Rearranging the room after the session
You are welcome to join in the chair dance class and dance along to music from the 60s up to current hits from Bruno Mars, etc!
Skills & experience needed:
Friendly, approachable, and good at engaging with older adults
PROACTIVE, enthusiastic and willing to participate in activities
Able to assist with light setup and serving drinks
Commitment & times:
Thursday mornings: 9:30am–12:00pm (or 10:00am–12:00pm)
Starting May 2026, ideally for a couple of months
Staff members and the facilitator for the dance session will always be on site
Who this role is ideal for:
Anyone looking to gain practical experience supporting older adults in a social and active environment
Proactive students looking to create a better world for older adults.
Students studying social studies, mental health, psychology, community work, or related courses
What you will gain from this role:
Experience working with older adults in a social and active setting
Chance to engage in fun exercise and chair dance sessions
Skills in event support, social engagement, and community work
Rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s daily lives
Having your volunteer story featured on our social media and website, recognising your contribution and experience (with your consent).
Tasks you will be involved in:
Helping set up the room before the session
Serving teas and coffees to participants and assisting where needed
Engaging socially with participants; chatting and checking in, especially with those sitting alone.
Supporting during the chair dance session (10:30am–11:30am), including helping participants as needed
Assisting with bingo, raffle, and quiz activities after the exercise session until 12:00pm
Rearranging the room after the session
You are welcome to join in the chair dance class and dance along to music from the 60s up to current hits from Bruno Mars, etc!
Skills & experience needed:
Friendly, approachable, and good at engaging with older adults
PROACTIVE, enthusiastic and willing to participate in activities
Able to assist with light setup and serving drinks
Commitment & times:
Thursday mornings: 9:30am–12:00pm (or 10:00am–12:00pm)
Starting May 2026, ideally for a couple of months
Staff members and the facilitator for the dance session will always be on site
Who this role is ideal for:
Anyone looking to gain practical experience supporting older adults in a social and active environment
Proactive students looking to create a better world for older adults.
Students studying social studies, mental health, psychology, community work, or related courses
What you will gain from this role:
Experience working with older adults in a social and active setting
Chance to engage in fun exercise and chair dance sessions
Skills in event support, social engagement, and community work
Rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s daily lives
Having your volunteer story featured on our social media and website, recognising your contribution and experience (with your consent).
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Thursday Morning
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2-2.5hrs weekly
Location:
747 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester
Manchester
M19 3AR