Volunteering
Could you spare a little time to volunteer and share your skills with Dates-n-Mates to help provide social opportunities to adults with learning disabilities?
Each Dates-n-Mates branch consists of a small staff team including an Operations Lead, Community Engagement and Event Lead and a Director with lived experience. Alongside our staff, we are supported by a wonderful team of volunteers. Dates-n-Mates volunteers are the heartbeat of the organisation and create an impactful difference in the life of local people with learning disabilities.
We are currently on the lookout for more volunteers in the following areas, but if you have other skills you would like to share, please do get in contact with us to discuss opportunities to get involved.
Event Support / Event Hosts
Event Photographer
Admin Support
“I cannot recommend it enough. The Dates-n-Mates team and members are so supportive – It’s added a whole new dynamic to my life and given me something I can really be proud of.” – Event Volunteer, Jess
Our Volunteers Stories
Emilys Story
Read Emilys Story
Jess's Story
Read jess's Story
Karens Story
Read Karens Story
Taras Story
Read Tarass Story
Member Volunteering: Champions
Dates-n-Mates members are offered volunteering opportunities to help run the events and activities, while developing their own independence and skills.
Our key role is a ‘friendly face’ – welcoming and supporting new members attending events. Other roles may include; delivering speeches at events, helping lead activities or gathering and sharing feedback.
Members gain points for volunteering – the one with the most points (from each branch) at the end of the year, is crowned ‘Champion’. There are also other ways to gain champion points… for more information contact your local team or read our blog post:
WE WILL BE REVAMPING AND RELAUNCHING THE CHAMPIONS SCHEME IN JUNE 2026 – MORE INFO TO COME!
A current Dates-n-Mates Champion says:
“We help each other out, it’s not all about one person. It’s getting everyone involved, some people just need a little encouragement.
MEMBER VOLUNTEER – JAMIE’S STORY
Falkirk member Jamie was nominated by Dates-n-Mates Falkirk for the Falkirk District Volunteer of the Year 2023. We are proud to say he won!!! Congratulations Jamie!!
Volunteers News, Stories & Testimonials
From the Blog
Volunteer Spotlight: Umair
This Volunteers Week, we are shining a spotlight on one of our longest standing volunteers… Umair Akhtar Umair began volunteering in our Glasgow branch in 2015 providing graphic design support […]
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2024 Dates-n-Mates Champions
Every year, each Dates-n-Mates branch, crowns a new member champion. As a member-led charity, our Champion Points reward our members for a variety of ways they can participate in supporting […]
Continue reading "2024 Dates-n-Mates Champions"
Volunteer Charter Champion
This Volunteers Week, Dates-n-Mates are delighted to share that we have achieved Volunteer Charter Champion status. The Volunteer Charter sets out ten key principles which help to ensure that volunteers […]
Continue reading "Volunteer Charter Champion"