Volunteer for us

We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who would like to join our small friendly team.  If you are aged 18 years old or above, we would like to hear from you.  

Picture of Paul one of our Volunteers in the recording studio
Picture of Ruth Volunteer working at the computer

There are a number of volunteer roles suitable for all individuals, either those in work or retired.  Most of these roles are carried out on a Wednesday evening at the Swindon Old Town Recording Studio; some are more admin based and require working day availability.  External/on-site interviews or reporting can be carried out by our presenters any time.

Give back to a local charity

Learn a new skill

Join our friendly team

Our volunteer roles

News Reader

Two, three or four Readers read the articles selected by the Editor.  Variety in the Reader's voices adds to the interest of the listener, so it is essential that all of the Readers are different in sound but work as a team.  News Readers are needed between approximately 6:45pm and 8:30pm on Wednesday evenings on a rota basis.  The Readers are also responsible for copying the memory sticks for sending out to listeners.  All necessary training will be given.

Become a News Reader

Sound Engineer/Audio Editor

The job of the Engineer/Editor is to download any podcasts that are needed for that week and record the news and other items, ensuring good sound quality on the master digital recording.  The Sound Engineer needs to be available one Wednesday evening in every four weeks between approximately 6pm and 8:30pm.  All necessary training will be given.

Become an Engineer/Editor

Listener Liaison Administrator

This role involves introducing new listeners to our service.  They will be responsible for keeping records of listeners and keeping track of memory sticks sent out and returned.  Most of these tasks are done on a Wednesday evening (this can be flexible) and include barcode scanning of wallets, registering new listeners, dealing with correspondence, and recording donations received.

Become an Administrator

Jane Jones, Volunteer Reader

I am Jane Jones and I am 68.  I retired from my job as a primary school teacher in 2015. I am married with 2 grown up daughters and 1 grandson and 1 granddaughter.  I also volunteer in a charity shop, as well as listening to readers in the reception class of my grandchildren's primary school and announcing at swimming galas.

Reading for STAN was something I had wanted to do for a long time, but couldn't fit it in whilst teaching.  I wanted to do this because of my paternal grandfather, who lost his sight when my mum was pregnant with me, so he never saw me but I used to read to him as soon as I was able.

 

Jane Jones

DJ, Listener

Many thanks for my first edition of the memory stick from the Talking News, which I enjoyed listening to all the items very much.  Looking forward to the next one.

Mike King, Production & Volunteer Co-ordinator

In 2018, when I hit my milestone 40th birthday, I felt I wanted to do something in my spare time, so looked for local charities who I could support.  I started as a Presenter on a once-a-month basis which suited me perfectly as I work full-time, but gradually I came in more frequently to read or present, as well as taking on more behind-the-scenes duties.  Since 2020 I have been Production & Volunteer Co-ordinator, organising the rota for our volunteers as well as some of the content for each edition of STAN.  In 2025 I became the Chair of Trustees, a role where I can put my leadership skills to good use to support the charity with an aim to increase our listener numbers and improve the service we offer. I love hearing from our Listeners who have some fascinating stories of their own, as well as receiving feedback so we can improve the service to their needs.  It's very rewarding to know that STAN can be a real "lifeline" and makes a huge difference to our Listeners' lives.  Anyone wishing to join the team to do something rewarding, please get in touch.

Mike King

DT, Listener

I received my first issue of Swindon Talking News along with the player in 2022 as I had been unable to read the Swindon Advertiser for about 4 years due to fading eyesight.  This has been a new experience for me which I have found most interesting, informative and entertaining.  My sincere thanks to you all and I look forward to future editions.

Tokuma Jeczalik, Audio Editor

I began volunteering here as part of my Bronze DofE (Duke of Edinburgh award) and I was unsure what to expect.  Luckily it is an extremely friendly environment and I feel very fulfilled as I am helping people in our local community.  I have now started college and I am continuing to volunteer each fortnight for my Gold DofE.  I highly recommend STAN, whether you are a prospective Listener or a Volunteer; everyone is so kind and everyone works to provide the best experience possible for our Listeners.

Tokuma Jeczalik

Are you interested in volunteering for us?

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