Volunteer Befriender
Age UK East London
We are looking for volunteer befrienders (face to face and telephone) to help us address isolation and loneliness amongst older people in East London. You’ll need to have up to 1 hour a week to regularly contribute to communicating with the older person you are matched with.
- Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person. - Provide conversation and company. - Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences. - Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health. - Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from. - Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis. - Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect
Administration,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Community Work,Counselling,Support Work,Volunteer Management,General and Helping
Basic IT skills - internet & email, Counselling, Language Skills, Organising & Planning
- Understanding loneliness and social isolation. - Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner. - Keen on building a strong befriending relationship. - A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history. - Consistency and reliability. - Understanding of Confidentiality. - Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people. - Patience and Sensitivity. - Confidence to deal with emergencies. - Record keeping. - Basic IT skills.
- Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose. - Emotional Rewards - Intergenerational Connections - Learning and Skill Development - Enhancing Career Prospects - Building Empathy and Compassion - Giving Back to the Community - Social and celebration events
- We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment. - Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting.
E2 9LU
Tower Hamlets Newham Hackney
Roles will be based in Hackney Newham and Tower Hamlets
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