Blether Buddy Befrienders Needed
ScotsCare
If you enjoy meeting new people, socialising and helping others, read on!
If you are looking for work experience or simply enjoy meeting new people and being of help, this could be the perfect role for you. Blether Buddies are volunteers who commit to meeting a ScotsCare client once a week, in our client's home or their local community, going for walks, talks, having a cup of tea, or visiting places of interest together. Giving someone the simple gift of time, friendly conversation and a listening ear on a regular basis really cannot be underestimated, you will help our client to feel valued, increase their confidence and self-esteem so this can be a very rewarding and enjoyable activity; your meetings could be something that you both look forward to! Meetings are normally between 1 and 2 hours, once a week, or once a fortnight at times to suit our volunteer and client, evenings and weekends included. if your time is limited, we may be able to offer weekly phone calls with meetings in between. Our clients are adults of all ages, mostly 50 plus, and all have a connection to Scotland. They may be socially isolated, lonely, or they just need someone to go out with to do the activities that many of us take for granted, sitting and chatting in a coffee shop, having a browse around the shops, or going for a walk in a local park; you might also visit museums together. Blether Buddies must be available to connect with our clients regularly over a period of at least 6 months, longer if possible and are asked to report back on their activities using our user-friendly App. An Enhanced DBS check will be carried out on all successful applicants; two references are also required. Out of pocket expenses from travel, refreshments and agreed activities are reimbursed with proof of purchase.
Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Support Work
Language Skills
Befriending is not counselling, but the ability to listen and speak clearly is essential. You will also need: - to be reliable and committed to helping others - to have a warm and friendly nature - understanding of the need to follow policies and procedures - have a good command of the English language for conversation and good communication skills - the ability to commit to regular weekly or fortnightly meetings for a minimum period of at least 6 months, longer if possible.
We provide training to help you feel confident in the role, and ongoing support once you are matched. Two references are required, and an enhanced DBS check will be processed. Lots of our befrienders have been involved for several years because they enjoy what they do, they often tell us how much they enjoy the experience of befriending so your meetings could be something that you and our client both look forward to. In return for your commitment, we can provide references for paid work if you need them, give you additional training that relates to your voluntary role, plus we run social events throughout the year for volunteers and produce newsletters to keep you informed. You will receive a very warm welcome at ScotsCare, why not join our community!
The time commitment varies depending on our clients needs and interests. Meetings can be weekly, fortnightly and very occasionally monthly, and normally last between 1 - 2 hours. Phone calls are usually between 15 -90 minutes.
EC1Y 2AJ
Interviews, training & support meetings are held in our office in EC1 / online. Befriending activities take place in our client's home, or in their local community. We need volunteers who can meet with our clients living in Islington, Camden, Tulse Hill, Kings Cross, Brockwell and Putney.
Our office is based in City Road, between Moorgate and Old Street stations.
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