Befriender volunteer
Islington Council (Circles of Protection)
The Circles of Protection project supports isolated, highly vulnerable adults with learning disabilities who live both within and outside the borough of Islington. We are in need of volunteer befrienders who are matched with adults who have learning disabilities and live in residential care and supported living in Hackney.
The Circles of Protection project supports isolated, highly vulnerable adults with learning disabilities who live both within and outside the borough of Islington. It is a bespoke, person-centred service designed to protect and improve the lives of those who are most at risk of abuse and social isolation. We are in need of volunteer befrienders who are matched with adults who have learning disabilities and live in residential care and supported living in Hackney. Many of these adults have little or no family involvement and limited opportunities to engage with the wider community. The role of the befriender is to: ✔ Visit the person they are matched with every fortnight (a couple of hours) for a minimum of 6 months. ✔ Build a genuine friendship through shared activities, such as going for coffee, walking in the park, playing football, or listening to music. ✔ Act as an informal advocate by being observant and reporting any concerns about the person’s welfare. What do volunteers get from the role: Support – Reasonable access needs are considered, and guidance and supervision are provided throughout the volunteering role. Training – Safeguarding and role-specific trainings are provided. Expenses – Reasonable pre-agreed expenses are reimbursed. Recognition – A reference is provided after 3 months of active volunteering. Respect – Volunteers are always treated with dignity and respect. Confidentiality – Personal information is treated as confidential unless someone is at risk of harm.
Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Community Work
Basic IT skills - internet & email, Managing People, Organising & Planning, Reading & Writing
Friendly, observant and approachable.
Support – Reasonable access needs are considered, and guidance and supervision are provided throughout the volunteering role. Training – Safeguarding and role-specific trainings are provided. Expenses – Reasonable pre-agreed expenses are reimbursed. Recognition – A reference is provided after 3 months of active volunteering. Respect – Volunteers are always treated with dignity and respect. Confidentiality – Personal information is treated as confidential unless someone is at risk of harm.
An hour once every three weeks.
N/A
Across Hackney
Locations are variable across Hackney
10
