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Community Befriending helps you get out and about, meet others, socialize, and make new friends whether it's in your own home or out in the local area. Our service offers a vital lifeline to older people who are experiencing social isolation and or loneliness. A weekly telephone call up to an hour made from your home to provide social contact with your client. Encourage your client to engage and take part in friendly conversation by listening carefully and asking open-ended questions. Free online training courses available. Complete monthly call logs and attend quarterly volunteer meetings.
Enjoys spending time with and talking with older people aged 65+ from a wide range of backgrounds. • Be a good listener and have empathy with older people, being approachable and welcoming. Interested in learning and developing new skills required of the role. Demonstrate that you are interested in what the client has to say by communicating respect and warmth. Encourage the person to say more and think more deeply about their thoughts and feelings. • Listens to the person’s tone of voice and expression as well as their words. Develop a non-judgmental approach. The listener may personally disagree with the client’s opinions or actions but attempts to understand the client’s point of view and shows that they still value the client. Being able to maintain client confidentiality, understand the importance of keeping within the parameters of the befriending role
• Being part of a team who are passionate about helping Bromley residents 65 years+, to develop interests, form friendships and connect better with their local community. • Committed to supporting the befriending service to deliver a difference to their clients. • Ongoing support and role training with feedback given. • Opportunities for networking with other volunteers and being part of a wider volunteer team. • Awareness of Age UK Bromley and Greenwich social events, services, and projects
An hour a week making a telephone call
