In Memoriam. We are remembering the life of Dr. Malcom Aickin, Chair of the Choice in Hackney Board of Trustees. Please visit our tribute page to read more about his life with us, and see testimonies from our community.

Multiple hands laying flat on a wooden table.

We’re Recruiting. We’re recruiting! Find out about our Community Care and Housing Advisor role

How to Volunteer

By volunteering as a Befriender, Gardener or Shopper you can have a real positive impact on the lives of disabled people during this difficult time.
Our Volunteer Project matches volunteers with disabled people. Volunteers help service users to feel less isolated, have access to their own green spaces, shopping and going for walks to improve their health and wellbeing.

Why should you volunteer with us?

  • Gain satisfaction from providing practical help to someone who needs it.
  • Gain awareness and better understanding of disability issues.
  • Improve skills including gardening, and other skills transferable to the workplace.
  • Flexible time commitment. We will work around your daytime availability.
  • Receive support from the Volunteer Coordinator by phone, in person or by email.
  • Receive references where appropriate.
  • Out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed (including safety equipment).

Ways to help

A group of individuals doing some gardening.

Gardening Volunteer​

Volunteering as a gardener with us will involve us pairing you with a disabled person who is unable to maintain their garden due to their impairment. You can assist them with simple tasks (such as mowing a lawn or weeding) but with a huge impact on the mental health and general wellbeing of the disabled person.​

An older man with his arm around a younger woman, both looking happy.

Befriender Volunteer​

Telephone Befrienders and Walking Friends will be paired with a disabled person who is feeling isolated and wants someone to spend time with them, either over the phone or in the local community! Walking Friends will be matched with someone nearby, and observe social distancing measures.

Two individuals on a trip to the zoo, one seated in a wheelchair.

Shopper Volunteer​

Volunteer Shoppers will be matched with a disabled person who needs support with collecting shopping or medicine.This will involve collecting the items from a nearby store and delivery to door.