Drop-in Volunteer

Area of interest: Supporting Adults, Sharing Existing or Learning New Skills

Number of Volunteers required: 2

Help Make a Life‑Changing Difference to Autistic People

Lifeworks North Staffs is looking for passionate female volunteers aged 18+ to help run our regular drop‑in sessions for autistic people across North Staffordshire.

Many of our clients are bright and capable but can experience isolation due to difficulties with social interaction and interpretation. This can have a significant impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Our drop‑ins provide a safe, welcoming space where people can meet others facing similar challenges, build friendships, and access support.

As a Drop‑In Volunteer, you will help host our regular sessions in Newcastle‑under‑Lyme, which take place in a local café on most Tuesdays and last approximately 3 hours.

Activities are informal and may include:

• Chatting over tea and coffee
• Playing board games
• Supporting social interaction
• Creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere
• Listening to issues and concerns raised by clients
• Reporting relevant concerns back to Lifeworks staff where appropriate

The role requires confidence in supporting and managing groups of people while ensuring everyone feels included and respected.

Travel and reasonable role expenses will be reimbursed.

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Female and aged 18+
• Friendly, patient, and approachable
• Confident managing groups of people
• Good listeners with strong communication skills
• Interested in supporting autistic people and their wellbeing

Experience of Autism and ADHD is desirable, but a willingness to learn is equally important.

Established in 2006, Lifeworks North Staffs supports over 1,000 clients and 400 carers across North Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.

We support people aged 14+ living with:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Dyspraxia
• Tourette's Syndrome

Many of our clients also experience mental health challenges.

Our services include:

• Social interpretation (advocacy)
• One‑to‑one appointments
• Life coaching
• Client activities and drop‑ins
• Carers' groups
• Befriending services

Our mission is to help people build confidence, improve wellbeing, and achieve a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.

“As a carer I find volunteering has helped my confidence and wellbeing. Lifeworks is like a big family and being able to give support to other carers is very rewarding.”

“It is helping me to increase my self‑esteem, some of which I have lost from not being in employment for some years. It is giving me confidence by showing I have skills which are useful. It feels good to ‘be there’ for my befriended friend and to have their companionship in return.”

If you would like to help create a welcoming space where autistic people can connect, socialise, and feel supported, we would love to hear from you.