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Do you want to help beat isolation in your community, and give something back, for as little as one hour a week from the comfort of your own home? The key role of the Volunteer Befriender is to help alleviate the sense of isolation and loneliness experienced by many people with a disability, sensory impairment or long term health condition living in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This will be achieved by providing weekly phone calls. (there is an option to visit clients at their home and that will involve further optional training) We will match you with a client based on their needs and your preferences. As a user led, grass roots organisation, all volunteers play a key role in helping Ruils deliver its objectives. Ruils recognises that volunteers offer valuable skills and experience which can contribute to the smooth functioning of the organisation. In return, volunteering at Ruils can offer an opportunity to meet new people, develop skills or learn new ones and to put something back into your community.
- Good communication skills and the ability to engage with and motivate others, facilitating discussion - An open-minded, tolerant and patient approach - An ability to listen and respond appropriately without imposing an opinion (be impartial and non-judgmental) - Respect, reliability, honesty and punctuality - A willingness to research local opportunities so that clients can make their own informed decisions about the activities in which they wish to participate - Dedication and commitment to the role - IT Skills
You'll learn to listen and engage with someone who might have a very different experience of life from you. You'll also be able to make a difference to someone in your own community.
We ask for a minimum commitment of around 1 hour a week for a period of 6 months.
