Volunteer coordinators play a vital role in connecting people, supporting communities and helping volunteers make a meaningful difference.

For Tracey Armstrong, Volunteer Coordinator at Age UK North Yorkshire Coast & Moors, the role is rooted in compassion, patience and the chance to support people when they need it most.

Tracey has worked for Age UK for just over nine years, taking on a variety of roles before becoming Volunteer Coordinator. What first drew her to the organisation was the caring nature of its work, supporting people over the age of 50 and helping them access the right services and support.

“I am passionate about helping and caring for people, as well as signposting them to appropriate services and being a supportive voice on their behalf,” she says.

A varied and rewarding role
No two days are quite the same for a Volunteer Coordinator. For Tracey, this variety is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

The role gives her the opportunity to meet people, learn about their lives and help make sure they are supported by the right volunteers and services. It also requires strong listening skills, empathy and the ability to respond to different needs with care and understanding.

“If you are considering a career as a Volunteer Coordinator, I can confidently say it is a highly rewarding profession,” Tracey says.

“Each day brings new experiences, and every client is unique.”

Supporting volunteers and older people
One of the most important parts of Tracey’s role is helping recruit suitable volunteers to act as befrienders for older clients. This can also be one of the biggest challenges.

Befriending roles require warmth, reliability and sensitivity. Finding the right people to offer that support takes time, but the impact can be significant for someone who may be isolated, lonely or in need of regular connection.

Tracey is also supported by a dedicated team, including volunteers who help with Salesforce input and wellbeing calls to clients. Their contribution helps keep services running smoothly and ensures people continue to feel connected and supported.

Learning through the role
Working as a Volunteer Coordinator has helped Tracey learn more about herself as well as the people she supports.

She says the role has helped her develop patience, stronger listening skills and deeper empathy. These qualities are central to volunteer coordination, where building trust and understanding people’s motivations are key to creating positive volunteer experiences.

A memorable moment
Away from work, Tracey also has a wonderful story to share.

In 2002, she was invited to Billy Connolly’s castle in Scotland, where she met Robin Williams, Dame Judi Dench and Steve Martin, as well as Billy and his wife Pamela.

“It was an extraordinary day,” she says, “and my two daughters still talk about it to this day.”

Celebrating volunteer coordination
Tracey’s story is a reminder of the skill, care and commitment behind successful volunteering programmes.

Volunteer coordinators do much more than match people to roles. They listen, support, encourage and help create the conditions where volunteers can make a real difference.

For Tracey, that work continues to be rewarding because it is centred on people, their stories and the support that can help them feel heard and valued.