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Role Detail

Virtual Buddy

Sense

Virtual Buddying is a 1:1 befriending service that matches anyone aged 5+ with a disability living in the UK with a volunteer for a weekly telephone or video call. As a volunteer you’ll arrange weekly sessions and if you and you buddy want to do activities together you will have to plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities!

Detailed Description

Virtual Buddying is a 1:1 befriending service that matches anyone aged 5+ with a disability living in the UK with a volunteer for a weekly telephone or video call. As a volunteer you’ll arrange weekly sessions and if you and you buddy want to do activities together you will have to plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities! The Virtual Buddying team can support with ideas. It may even be that you and your buddy simply choose to have a social chat each week. The idea of Virtual Buddying is to reduce social isolation and loneliness, develop new skills and friendships and improve wellbeing. The service is completely remote and buddies do not meet up face to face.

Activities you will be doing

Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring

What skills are required for this role

Basic IT skills - internet & email, Language Skills, Customer Service

Why these skills are required

We need positive, empathetic volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. We are looking for volunteers who are great communicators and who are friendly, enthusiastic, positive and ready to have fun!

What is in it for you

Before you start your volunteering role, we’ll make sure that you’ve had the training you need to feel confident. This will be delivered online and via video call. While you’re volunteering with us as a Virtual Buddy, you’ll get:  A written account of your volunteering and references if required  Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses Volunteering as a Sense Virtual Buddy is a great opportunity to develop new skills and get to know new people whilst making a real difference to a person’s life.

Time Commitment

1 hour per week for a minimum of 6 months

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Application Process
Support you will receive
Role Type
Suitable For
16 - 17,18 and over
We Welcome
The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over. You don’t need to have previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests. We’re also always looking for volunteers who have knowledge or experience of British Sign Language (BSL) and/or other communication methods like Makaton.
Location
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