To provide telephone befriending to one or two beneficiaries per week for approximately 30 minutes per call. Through your conversations, you will be providing a connection to somebody who might be quite socially isolated and checking in on their wellbeing, acting as a link to accessing further support if necessary.
This role began as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak, in recognition of the increased levels of difficulty faced by many older people needing to shield and lacking additional support to help meet basic everyday needs.
Responsibilities:
- Agreeing a mutually convenient time with your befriendee and consistently sticking to it.
- Developing a rapport with your befriendee and managing the conversation, while remaining conscious of the need for excellent listening skills.
- Paying close attention to any signs that your befriendee might be struggling to look after themselves or be lacking essentials that they need to manage daily life.
Skills
Volunteer Requirements
- Interest in working with older people
- A friendly and approachable personality and a warm telephone manner
- Good levels of self-organisation and reliability.
Benefits
- We will provide you with an induction and full training for the role
- Opportunities to meet and socialise with other volunteers
- The opportunity to use your skills and experience to improve the lives of others.
Practical Considerations
- Able to give at least half an hour of time per week
- Able to commit to volunteering for a period of at least 3 months
- You must have a phone with a call plan which includes both local landlines and mobile numbers
- Two professional references.
When do I need to be available?
Details | Phone calls to take place between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday |
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Morning | Afternoon | Evening | |
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Sunday |
- Interests
- Older People
- Activities
- Supporting People and Befriending
- Details
- Equal Opportunities Policy or Statement
- Health and Safety
- Induction
- Insurance Cover for Volunteers
- Suitable for 13 - 16 years
- Suitable for 16 - 18 years
- Suitable for a group of volunteers
- Support on Offer
- This role is adaptable for different abilities
- Training