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Hackney Dudes is a lively social club for older men in Hackney. Every week we have a programme of activities that all Dudes are invited to join. This includes: On Tuesdays, a weekly Zoom call, often incorporating a hotly contested quiz, followed by the Dudes art group at Dalston Curve Garden. On Wednesdays, a fortnightly trip to somewhere in Hackney or further afield; the Dudes have ticked off most of London’s museums and a few galleries, plus a canal boat tour, the Houses of Parliament, immersive events, ten pin bowling... On Thursdays, rehearsals for the Dudes band, who go for lunch together afterwards and occasionally play gigs in Hackney. On Fridays, a social drop-in from 11am - 2pm at Dalston Curve Garden, with a free lunch provided. Some Dudes come for a chat, others to enjoy the company or get help with something. Sometimes we’ll be planning future activities, occasionally one of the Dudes will host a workshop or someone will be invited to give a talk. There are Dudes who are tech-savvy and help others with phones and devices. Role summary Dudes volunteers will work alongside the Project Lead to make sure Dudes activities are safe and welcoming, and that Dudes get help with things they need. Volunteers will be able to pick and choose the activities they want to get involved in depending on their interests and availability. Example tasks for each of the activities might include: For the drop-in - Welcoming and chatting with Dudes, especially anyone who seems withdrawn - Helping Dudes complete application forms for Freedom passes - Signposting Dudes to local services and other community activities - Serving tea/coffee and lunch For the Zoom call - Hosting the call - Creating a quiz - Being quizmaster! For trips - Accompanying the group and helping the Project Lead to supervise - For local trips in Hackney, leading the group as solo trip facilitator
No specific skills are required, but volunteers will need to share the values and ethos of the Hackney Dudes and MRS Independent Living (which runs the project) which include being: - Non-judgemental - Empathetic - Sensitive and alert to individual needs - Understanding of people's diverse range of experiences - Able to recognise when someone is withdrawn, is not their usual self, or might be struggling with something they have not shared.
The Dudes are a lovely group of older men who enjoy spending time together. Volunteers will be warmly welcomed into this strong community and be able to regularly enjoy the fantastic environment at Dalston Curve Garden and the arts and cultural scene in Hackney and London. Volunteers will be given a free hot lunch and refreshments if they attend the Friday drop-in, and if they help out with Wednesday trips, tickets and lunch will be purchased for them.
Ideally we would like volunteers to be able to commit to regular attendance on Wednesdays and/or Fridays, as this is when the project needs most support. The Wednesday trips are usually 11am to 3/4pm, and the Friday drop-in at Dalston Curve Garden takes place from 11am - 1pm.
