Frequently Asked Questions

A lot of our volunteers have questions or concerns about volunteering, and we want you to be as informed and comfortable as possible with the idea of helping our organisation. That's why we put together a list of questions, but if you can't find answers here, please get in touch with us. 

A: We mainly operate within the area of Greater Manchester, but there may be other ways you can help us, or arrangements can be made to ensure you have an opportunity as a volunteer.  Get in touch and we'll see what we can do for you.

A: We welcome all people with all skills and abilities. We take pride and appreciate the huge diversity of our volunteering group, and believe anyone who wants to improve the community has a place with us. 

Apart from befriending, there are opportunities in vital roles such as administration, fundraising events, building awareness in the community, marketing and administration. 

A: All our users approach us for different reasons, and they have different needs. As we are a charity that supports those who have lost a life partner, a lot of our users require emotional support, but also practical help, or a combination of the two. 

At the minute we do not offer counselling services to widows and widowers, but we may be considering this for the future. 

A: Volunteers who work in roles directly supporting widows in their homes will undergo complete training on befriending and how to support widows emotionally. 

This is currently carried out in our offices, and you would have to commit to attend, but we are in the process of setting up an eLearning website.

A: Not at all, and please don't let not having a car or a licence put you off applying! We only ask if you can drive when you apply, so if not, we can pair you with a widow or widower you can reach by foot or other transport of your choice.

However, if you can drive this could benefit us. Several clients have mobility issues and need help accessing our workshops and group sessions every Tuesday and Thursday.

A: We welcome volunteers from all nations and backgrounds, however some visas may not permit volunteering in the UK. 

If your work or volunteering permits are unclear to you, please contact the relevant departments of the UK government for help. A good place to start is the governments Visa Guide.

A: Great! Firstly, thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with us. Here is what will happen next: 

• If your application is successful you will be invited to an interview in our offices. Some of these interviews are performed in groups or a 1:1 basis. 

• Thereafter we will check the references you supply us with. Two references are normally requested, and as soon as these are returned you can start your volunteering journey. 

• Some roles also need a DBS check. If you are applying for a role of this nature, we will also need your DBS check to clear before you start your role. 

A: We normally request our volunteers to be committed to the role. However, we understand people have other commitments and may only be able to volunteer for shorter periods of time or as a one off. Any volunteer activity is appreciated and we can discuss your opportunities with us. This also completely depends on the role at hand, and we may offer shorter or longer programmes. Please get in touch to hear more about volunteer opportunities.

A: Not all support has to be volunteering. If you want to help out, spread awareness by engaging with us on social media and also by donating. 

A: Yes, you will. The extent of the reference will reflect on your input and dedication to the organisation. No matter how much time and effort a volunteer gives, we are always grateful for your help. But when it comes to references, we can only give extensive references or letters of recommendation to the people who we get to know by volunteering over a longer period of time. 

A: Volunteering with us is a great opportunity to network. It is also a fantastic way to meet other people with different levels of influence. People who are looking to work in the care sector will gain valuable experiences, and if you are pursuing a career in the non-profit sector, all volunteer work you do will benefit you. We don't at the minute offer any paid roles in the organisation. 

A: Here at Widows Empowerment we pride ourselves in being inclusive and valuing diversity amongst our users and volunteers. We welcome anyone, no matter their age, gender, ability/disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion. If you have a disability we will do our utmost to give you everything you need to volunteer for us. Please get in touch to tell us what you need, and we will do our best to accommodate you and see what volunteer opportunities are there for you.

A: If you have any other questions or concerns about signing up to volunteer, please get on touch, we respond to inquires as soon as possible.