Befriender - Gift of Friendship
Age UK East London
Age UK East London are looking for volunteers to befriend vulnerable older clients aged 55+, living in the community in Tower Hamlets, Newham or Hackney. You will provide up to an hour of support a week for a minimum of six months but we would ideally prefer a longer term commitment. You’ll choose whether you’d like to volunteer face-to-face or by telephone, and we’ll match you with someone who needs your support, at a time suitable to the befriendee.
Age UK East London are looking for volunteers to befriend vulnerable older clients aged 55+, living in the community in Tower Hamlets, Newham or Hackney. As a Befriender you main tasks will be to; • Provide and develop trusting, meaningful, and mutually rewarding regular companionship (in person or by phone) • Provide safe, caring support after big life changes (eg hospital stays or bereavement) • Report any emerging issues or concerns that the befriendee has agreed to share, such as a change in personal circumstance or health • Maintain records of your befriendee and send to the Volunteer Manager regularly • Regularly meet with your befriending peers and Volunteer Manager to share experiences, get support and reflect • Signpost other Age UK East London services that the befriendee may benefit from You will provide up to an hour of support a week for a minimum of six months but we would ideally prefer a longer term commitment. You’ll choose whether you’d like to volunteer face-to-face or by telephone, and we’ll match you with someone who needs your support, at a time suitable to the befriendee.
Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Community Work,Support Work
Basic IT skills - internet & email
• An understanding of loneliness and social isolation • An understanding of bereavement and loss, and the needs of older people • An ability to build strong relationships with others • A friendly, approachable manner and a desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history • Comfortable working alone • Patience and sensitivity • Good communication and record keeping • Consistency and reliability • Some basic IT skills
• Having a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those who are vulnerable • A strong sense of accomplishment and purpose • Building intergenerational connections • Enhancing career prospects • Social and celebration events • Access to an AGE UK Discount Portal Befriending is often described as a reciprocal relationship: while you're offering support, you're also gaining insight, emotional depth, and practical wisdom.
Commitment - 6 months or preferably longer. We can be flexible but expect you to volunteer for at least 1 hour per week.
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Home based or by telephone - a client within Tower Hamlets, Newham or Hackney.
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