Community/Telephone Befrienders
Volunteer Centre Hackney
The community supporters project has been running for over 7 years supporting socially isolated vulnerable Hackney residents to build confidence and reduce social isolation. Due to COVID-19 social isolation has impacted on residents physical and mental health. We are supporting our service users to reduce this isolation. 2 phone chats a week or meeting face to face once a week focusing on health and well being and confidence building. Immediate need for some community languages.
Currently we need volunteers who can give 1 – 2 hours of their time each week to help support a vulnerable Hackney resident who may be experiencing social isolation and loneliness. As many diverse volunteers speaking community languages - we will be particularly interested to hear from you if you speak Turkish or Spanish. We are also specifically looking for male Punjabi and Polish speakers, and female Bengali and Portuguese speakers.. By becoming a Community Befriender you’ll help enhance the quality of a local resident's life by supporting and promoting their confidence and help them focus on their Health and Well being. This person might need support in one or more of the following areas: • Social Isolation and Loneliness • Confidence Building • Physical Health/Mental Health They may have limited English, may have been supported to integrate into our Hackney community as a Refugee, Migrant or Asylum Seeker. This role is now either Telephone based Home visiting housebound service users. Meeting a vulnerable service user at their door and supporting them out for a walk or getting out for a coffee. Key tasks: Act as a listening ear. Help build confidence and self-esteem. Offer support in identifying and achieving goals and aspirations currently and long term. To develop and promote a positive relationship(s) with the individual. Keep records for calls feeding back and ensuring urgent issues are reported straight away. Ensure own well being, checking in via individual or group supervision. What we provide: Full training, including boundaries, safeguarding, lone working. Mental health awareness and communication skills. Regular supervision, with clinical professional. Ongoing contact and support. Reference for further education and employment
Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Community Work,Languages & Translation,General and Helping
Basic IT skills - internet & email, Language Skills
Friendly and approachable Being non-judgmental - hones and trustworthy Excellent listening & communication skills with an understanding presence Reliable and have an understanding of mental health difficulties Clear sense of personal boundaries and confidentiality
This role is ideal for people wanting to support, encourage and impact positively to vulnerable people within their community -in the Voluntary Sector. It will help build people skills in Health & Social Care, support work, information and guidance, mentoring, building a stronger Hackney community or just spending time talking with local people in need.
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E8 2LY
Various locations in Hackney
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