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Befrienders will meet our service users outside their homes, and go out locally together to do activities chosen together. This could include going for a walk, going to the cinema, or taking a trip to a London landmark. As a volunteer Befriender you'll offer support and friendship to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. Members of the scheme may also have a physical or sensory disability, and mental health needs.
There are many qualities and characteristics that create a strong and valuable Befriender. We need volunteers who are: - Good listeners - Able to understand how a learning disability can impact somebody's life - Able to approach new people without prejudice - Honest and trustworthy - Committed and reliable - Respectful of confidentiality - Friendly and warm - Empathetic and compassionate - Professional in their approach - Able to offer a caring and understanding presence - Local to Wandsworth or Lambeth, or willing to travel there
In 2023, Share was awarded the Investing in Volunteers quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. We were praised for our inclusive, welcoming, and flexible approach. Previously, we also received a Best Practice in Volunteering Award from Lifetimes, an organisation that supports voluntary and community activity in Wandsworth. They were impressed by the support, training, recognition and reward that we give to our volunteers. In return for you giving up your time for us, you can expect: - A warm welcome into our organisation from our dedicated volunteering team. - A full-day training for all new volunteers to give you confidence in your role. - Ongoing support, and ‘top-up’ training from staff including topics like: Mental Health First Aid, Safeguarding, and Makaton. - An opportunity to develop new skills and add to your CV. - A reference for your time with us. - Reimbursement of travel expenses within TFL zone 1 – 6. - £5 towards lunch, or a free lunch in our onsite canteen at our Clapham Junction site (if volunteering for more than four hours a day). - Invitations to all our events such as: our garden parties, away days, Christmas parties and our student awards ceremony. - The opportunity to have your say in our annual volunteer survey. - A genuine opportunity to make a difference and become part of a community.
Befrienders meet once every 1 or 2 weeks for a couple of hours, at a time that is convenient for them.
