Library Housebound Service Volunteers - Sutton Lodge Day Centre

Bring the library home: volunteer to deliver books and friendly chats to housebound people, sharing the joy of reading while brightening someone’s day with connection and community.

About the Organisation

Sutton Lodge Day Centre provides a welcoming environment for over-60s, offering hot meals and activities. The centre promotes friendship and social connection, especially for those living alone. Additionally, Sutton Lodge runs the Meals on Wheels service for the borough in partnership with Sutton Council, and the Library Housebound Service in partnership with Sutton Cultural Services.

What you will be doing

If you enjoy reading and chatting about books, this could be the perfect role for you! We coordinate the Library Housebound Service for the Borough, delivering and returning  library books to people who are no longer able to visit the library due to mobility. As well as bringing the library to them, you will also be providing vital social contact. 

You will

  • Collect a selection of books or talking books (prepared by library staff) from your designated library.
  • Deliver these to your housebound reader(s) on a regular basis.
  • Offer a friendly chat and a listening ear during visits.
  • Get to know your reader's reading tastes to pass back to library staff.
  • Return and exchange books as requested. 
We need both Drivers and Escorts, and we provide transport.

What's in it for you?

  • Training and support on all aspects of the role, including safeguarding awareness.
  • Working in a team with friendly, happy people.
  • The satisfaction of knowing that you helped someone who otherwise might be socially isolated.
  • Getting out and about in the borough.

"I've been a Housebound Library volunteer for over 10 years. I do it because I like bringing books to people who love reading but would not be able to get out to a bookshop or library. I know they also enjoy a short chat and to see someone during the day'' Bill

What skills will you need?

Ideal volunteers are:

  • Reliable and punctual.
  • Patient, friendly and caring.
  • Happy to work as part of a team.

In addition, driving volunteers need to be safe and confident drivers with a minimum of 2 years' driving experience and no more than 3 points on your licence.

DBS check required (which will be organised and paid for by Sutton Lodge Day Centre).

What's the time commitment and where? 

Time Commitment:

We would like you to give a regular commitment in terms of day or time so that our housebound readers will have continuity. A minimum regular commitment would be 2 hours, twice a month. 

Location:

Housebound readers and libraries are spread out across the Borough but we would match you to suit your own location.

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

 

 

Note: Everything marked with a * is a required field.