A Guide to Volunteering Opportunities for Retirees in Salisbury
A New Chapter of Purpose and Connection
Published: 10/12/2025
Retirement isn't just the end of a career, it's the beginning of a new adventure. With more free time and decades of life experience, many retirees discover that volunteering brings them a new renewed sense of purpose, fresh friendships, and the joy of giving back.
Here in Salisbury, there are countless opportunities to get involved, whether you'd like to spend time socialising, helping behind the scenes, or enjoying the outdoors. Whatever your interests or abilities, there's a volunteer role to suit you.
The Power of People
At Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, we see every day how much companionship truly matters. A friendly chat, a listening ear, or simply being there can brighten someone's day. Wonderful organisations like Beyond Dementia offer day clubs where people can join in with games, share laughter, and enjoy genuine conversation.
This is something we have been lucky enough to experience ourselves. We regularly take our therapy dog, Lola, out into the community to visit local groups. Watching her bring smiles, spark memories, and start conversations reminds us how simple gestures of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Volunteering with Silver Salisbury
Silver Salisbury celebrates and supports older adults across the community through events and social activities. Volunteers play a key role by helping organise events, greet guests, serve refreshments, distribute leaflets, or provide lifts to those who need transport. It's a lovely way to meet people, give back, and make a real difference in reducing loneliness locally.
Find Your Perfect Volunteering Role with Wiltshire Together
Not sure where to start with volunteering?
Wiltshire Together is a brilliant place to begin. Covering the whole country, including Salisbury, they specialise in connecting volunteers with local organisations that need support. They'll help match your skills, interests, and availability with the right opportunity, and even offer training to get you started.
Whether you're after a one-off event or something more regular, Wiltshire Together can guide you towards a role that truly fits your lifestyle.
Supporting Community Needs
Food projects are at the heart of Salisbury's community spirit. The Salisbury Foodbank, Salisbury Pantry, and charities such as Encircles rely on volunteers to help with food collections, deliveries, and meal services. these roles are ideal for those who want to roll up their sleeves and contribute directly to supporting local families and individuals in need.
Food Charities in Salisbury
Salisbury Foodbank
Salisbury Foodbank update their current volunteering opportunities regularly and do advertise for one-off volunteers during the Winter months.
Salisbury Pantry
The Salisbury Pantry has an accessible form for you to fill in to share your interest in volunteering.
Encircles
Contact Encircles to register interest in supporting their goal to feed the hungry and homeless in Salisbury.
Giving Time to Healthcare
Volunteering at Salisbury District Hospital: Make a Difference Close to Home
Hospitals can feel overwhelming places but behind the scenes, there's a team of friendly faces who give their time freely to make those experiences just a little easier: The Volunteers.
At Salisbury District Hospital, volunteers play a vital role in supporting both patients and staff. From offering a warm welcome at the main entrance to chatting with patients on the wards, every volunteer helps create a more caring and personal environment.
Volnteer roles are varied, flexible, and tailored to your interests. Some of the ways you could get involved include:
- Meet & Greet - welcoming visitors and helping them find their way around the hospital
- Ward Support - chatting with patients, offering companionship, or helping with small non-clinical tasks
- Outpatients Clinics - supporting staff by keeping areas running smoothly and ensuring patients feel at ease
- Admin help - assisting behind the scenes with paperwork and office tasks
Why Volunteer at the Hospital?
- Make a real difference
- Support the NHS
- Flexible commitment
- Be part of a team
A Special Mention
At Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, we've seen first-hand the impact of hospital volunteering through our therapy dog, Lola. She has been approved to visit Salisbury District Hospital & Fountain's Way Hospital as part of her voluntary work and it's incredible to see how much comfort and joy she brings to patients, staff and families alike.
Sometimes, a wagging tail can make all the difference.
Lola also regularly visits care homes including Salisbury Manor Care Home and Silver Salisbury coffee mornings.
If you have a friendly, well-behaved pet and a heart to give, becoming a certified pet therapy volunteer could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Charity Shops
Salisbury is home to many charity shops, from Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation & British Red Cross to smaller local causes. Volunteering here is socialble, varied, and flexible.
Opportunities include:
- Cancer Research UK - Catherine Street
- British Heart Foundation - Home Store - Fisherton Street
- British Red Cross - Winchester Street
- Shaw Trust - Catherine Street, St Michael's Road, High Street
- Julia's House - Fisherton Street
- Naomi House & Jacksplace - The Maltings
- Sue Ryder - Priory Square
- British Heart Foundation - New Canal
- The Hospice Shop - Catherine Street
- The Salvation Army - Salt Lane
- Wiltshire Sight Salisbury Charity Shop - Catherine Street
- Shaw Trust Furniture Shop - Stephenson Road
- Wilton Emporium - Warminster Road
- The Children's Society - Crane Street
- Oxfam Books & Music - Catherine Street
- The Trussell Trust - Ashfield Road
- South Wilts Mencap - Catherine Street
- Amesbury Emporium - Earls Court Rd
- Age UK Wiltshire - Catherine Street
- League of Friends - Salisbury District Hospital
Outdoors and Conservation Projects
Prefer the fresh air?
Salisbury is surrounded bu beautiful countryside, and groups like Salisbury Transition City organise volunteer days for conservation, gardening, and maintaining community green spaces.
Salisbury City Council offer brilliant volunteering opportunities in local parks and open spaces, from Harnham Slope to Middle Street Meadow and other green spots within about 10 miles of the city.
These roles not only support wildlife and the environment but also provide gentle exercise and a chance to meet like-minded nature lovers.
TIP: Read our blog on the best walking groups for over-65s in Salisbury if you love the outdoors and some light activity.
Why Volunteering is Perfect for Retirees
Flexibility
From one-off events to regular weekly commitments, there's something to fit every schedule.
Social Connection
Meet new people and stay part of your community.
New Experiences
Try something you've neber done before, from guiding at a museum to helping in a café.
Purpose and Wellbeing
Studies show that volunteering boosts mood, reduces loneliness, and helps you stay active.
Ready to Take the Next Steps?
Retirement is a time to enjoy freedom, but it's also the perfect moment to give something back. Whether it's through a friendly conversation, a home-cooked meal, or a shift in a charity shop, every contribution matters.
If you're considering volunteering and want some advice or would like to hear more about Right at Home Salisbury & Andover's volunteering, contact us today!
