Join the team
Our team at The Lawrence Centre consists of enthusiastic, energetic and empathic individuals committed to making a real difference to the lives of older people in the community.
We rely heavily on an amazing team of volunteers and volunteer drivers without whose help we simply could not provide our services to our Members.
How can you help us at The Lawrence Centre?
Whether you have plenty of past experience of working with older people or people with memory loss issues, or have absolutely no experience at all but you’re looking to get involved and help out, we are always interested in hearing from you here at The Lawrence Centre.
We have opportunities of various kinds available, from Volunteers and Volunteer Drivers to paid Session Leader and Outreach Worker roles.
Please take a look at the information below and get in touch to discuss how you can become a part of our team.
We look forward to meeting you.
“A cheerful smile, a hot drink and catching up with friends new and old. Every day is different. Sometimes it is musical - singing or percussion. Then it might be arts and crafts, quizzes or, with great hilarity, games such as botcha, quoits, skittles or our version of golf. As well as all this, the patience and kindness of the staff make this The Lawrence Centre.”
— Lin Newton, Member
What job roles do we have on the team at
The Lawrence Centre?
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![A female session leader smiles as she serves out a pudding during a daily activity session at The Lawrence Centre in Wells, Somerset.]()
Session Leaders
Our Session Leaders come from a wide variety of backgrounds so experience in the care sector is not essential. Life experience and a caring, empathetic nature is more important and we give full induction training and shadowing. Personal care is not part of the role.
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![A woman looks in a wing mirror of a car as she drives, representing the outreach workers and volunteer drivers who work for The Lawrence Centre in Wells, Somerset]()
Volunteers & Volunteer Drivers
Volunteers are essential to The Lawrence Centre. Our Volunteers each have their own reason for donating their time; all are looking for a positive way to support the local community. Each Volunteer will become part of our friendly team and will make a huge difference to the experience of our Members.
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![Different people hold their hands together to represent the outreach workers at The Lawrence Centre in Wells, Somerset]()
Outreach Workers
Our Outreach Workers support older people in their own homes, helping to prevent social isolation and giving carers a much needed break. We identify activities to promote their physical, mental and emotional well-being, these can include- going for a walk, a trip to the cafe, playing a game, chatting and reminiscing or other interests of their choice. No experience in the care sector is essential for this role and our Outreach Workers come from a variety of backgrounds.
A Day in the Life of A Daily Session Leader
In a typical day with our members at The Lawrence Centre we start with a cuppa and a biscuit (or two!) and chat about what has been going on in everyone’s lives over the past few days.
Often this leads to reminiscing, which is wonderful; we have heard so many varied tales, from life during the war years, to lives full of adventure and travel - everyone brings their unique life experiences to the group.
We always do some form of gentle exercise to get everyone’s body and mind ready for the day. There is often a theme for the day which leads to an art, crafting and sometimes a baking activity.
In the afternoons our activities are equally stimulating, ranging from music and singing, to quizzes. Also very popular, are our very own versions of golf and skittle competitions, where it is so lovely to see everyone encouraging and cheering on their friends. There are always plenty of laughs!
The energy, love and warmth shared between all the members and session leaders is what makes the job so special and so very rewarding.
Words from our Team
"I have been an Outreach worker for a year to date and it's great fun! At first my remit was to play Scrabble for an hour with Helen, which I am very happy to do. She enjoys the challenge of a game and it gives us a base to have our conversation.
We talk about a range of subjects usually including family news, TV news, food and places we have explored, at the same time keeping up skills of reading, memory, spelling etc. I started visiting Helen in her own home but then followed her in her move to a local Care Home. I like to think this helped her with her transition to full time care. She loves to visit The Lawrence Centre one day a week."
Outreach Worker
Maggie St Quintin
“I’m Janette, one of the Session Leaders at The Lawrence Centre. I have been in this role since March 2021, previously I was a volunteer here for two years in the kitchen. My background is that of a primary school teacher. Would I swap back to working with children? No! I can honestly say being a Session Leader is the most fun and rewarding job I have ever had; I always go home with a smile on my face. Spending time with our lovely members is so fulfilling, knowing I am making a difference. For many who live alone, coming to The Lawrence Centre is the only time they get to chat and share good times with their friends. It is the greatest feeling knowing I have been a part of brightening someone’s day.”
Session Leader
Janette Billington
“I volunteer to drive for The Lawrence Centre to support older people. They never cease to amaze me with the interesting things they recall; one of my gentlemen cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats!”
Volunteer Driver
Chris Baxendale
Meet Rebecca.
We have been lucky enough to enjoy a complete garden transformation here at The Lawrence Centre, thanks in large part to Rebecca, the woman behind the design-magic (and the hard-graft!).
Read an interview with Rebecca to find out more about how she came to be involved, the process of re-designing the garden and what else is in store for the beautiful outdoor spaces that our members enjoy.
Need support or guidance about supporting a person living with memory loss?
Find a wealth of information and links to other helpful organisations for both carers and people living with memory loss in our Support & Guidance pages.
Please do get in touch if there is anything you cannot find and need some help with. Our experienced team are here to help.
“Thank you for the love, kindness and understanding you gave to Mum whilst she was visiting you on Fridays.”
— Relative of a Member