Volunteer at Calderstones

Find the perfect place for you

Volunteer with The Reader at Calderstones and make amazing things happen. 

Perhaps it’s for a one-off event, or you’re looking for a longer-term role, every hour you spend volunteering here helps people all over the country – and the world – experience the life-supporting benefits of Shared Reading.

You’ll become part of a warm family of Readers who want to help people find and share meaning in their lives. You’ll get the training and support you need, as well as a 20% discount at The Reader Café and Ice Cream Parlour, and access to a dedicated volunteer space where you can relax. 

Whether you have specific skills to share, or you’re looking to do something different, there are lots of ways to get involved – have a look at the list and fill out the form below. 

Current opportunities 

Activity Group Leader

As part of the brand-new programme at The Reader at Calderstones, we’re running new groups every single day of the week. Would you like to get people together around: Board Games, Chatting, Crafts, Gardening, Knitting, Languages, Upcycling or Walking. Let us know which activity you could lead using the form below.

Community Advocate

Help the local community find out what’s going on at The Reader at Calderstones by sharing information in your neighbourhood. Where appropriate, support will be given to enable Advocates to bring other local people who might need a hand getting here.

Event Support

Make sure events are ready for guests and they feel welcomed on arrival. You will record attendees, answer queries about the event, signpost toilets, accessible routes and emergency procedures, and let people know about the wider aims of The Reader.

Experience Evaluation

Help The Reader find out what people think of their visit by collecting information from those who visit the park or take part in activities. This includes doing park exit surveys, guiding visitors through questionnaires and attending events.

Heritage Story Sharer

Explore the history of the Calder Stones and the local area with people of all ages, as part of a friendly and knowledgeable team. You will deliver walking tours or workshops, assist with heritage events and help create new stories to share. 

Maintenance Support

Help with the upkeep of a local landmark. Outside, that includes paths and entrances, trees and plants, gates, fences, benches and planters, and storage areas. Inside, we’ll need help with furniture, decorating and reporting safety issues or damages.

Reader Shop

Meet and greet visitors, direct people into the Mansion House and share what’s on at The Reader at Calderstones each day. Serve customers, keep the shop clean and tidy, and look after administrative tasks, such as pricing and stocktaking.

Reader Leader

Join a team of volunteers who run highly successful Shared Reading groups here. You get a transformative training package and will then read aloud with a group of adults each week. Each session lasts for up to one and a half hours. With online and face-to-face support, you choose and prepare texts to share, create a welcoming space and report numbers to help measure impact.

Reception

Be the first point of contact for visitors to the Mansion House, greeting and directing people on arrival. You will keep track of visitors entering the building, provide information about what’s happening each day and about upcoming opportunities. Support staff and volunteers with administrative tasks as required, keep reception area tidy and maintain promotional displays.

Welcome

You’ll need to communicate the work of The Reader as part of the welcome experience. You’ll prepare the Mansion House for visitors and activities, ensuring spaces are tidy, welcoming, and anyone with disabilities or special requirements is looked after. You’ll lead tours and answer questions about the work, exhibits and activities taking place, reporting any risks or repairs to staff.