Arts at Home brings meaningful arts experiences into 25 older adult care settings across London and Birmingham. Our volunteers use artworks of their choice and open-ended questions to spark conversation, creativity and connection, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation. No art history expertise is needed — just curiosity, confidence in talking to others, and a willingness to create welcoming, engaging experiences for residents.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering with Arts at Home is a chance to make a real difference while developing your own skills. You'll build confidence in communication and public speaking, learn more about art and artists, and gain experience working alongside older people, including those living with dementia. Volunteers are also invited to gallery and theatre visits, social events and ongoing training, and travel expenses can be reimbursed.

How to apply

We're looking for friendly, reliable people who enjoy connecting with others and have an interest in art and culture. Sessions take place on weekdays in care settings across London and Birmingham, and we ask volunteers to aim for around one session each month. We run monthly online information sessions and in-person inductions at Somerset House. To find out more, please contact our volunteering team.

Contact our volunteering team

Training and induction

Every volunteer receives comprehensive training before leading their first session. We provide a practical toolkit developed by arts education specialists, covering communication techniques, session planning, safeguarding and facilitating conversations through art. Monthly online information sessions and in-person inductions at Somerset House ensure you'll feel confident and supported from the very beginning.

More volunteer opportunities

Alongside Arts at Home sessions, volunteers can take part in our Art Explorers at… programme, accompanying residents on visits to galleries, museums and theatres. Throughout the year, we also offer volunteer socials, refresher training and opportunities to connect with our wider community, making it easy to continue learning about art and to meet like-minded people.
Contact our volunteering team
“I’ve seen them really light-up when they think back to something they have done, and the artwork reminds them of that.”
Arts at Home volunteer

How to partner with us

Arts at Home currently works with 25 care settings across London and Birmingham, bringing regular arts sessions to older residents. If you'd like to explore becoming one of our care home partners, we'd love to hear from you.

Please contact Stephanie O’Neill-Winbow (Head of Community Programmes), to find out more about bringing Arts at Home to your residents.
Contact our community programmes team
“The Arts at Home programme is much less about talking and more about listening, as well as being curious, being flexible, and responding appropriately and authentically to whatever comes up in the session”
Arts at Home volunteer