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MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life. As a Volunteer Telephone Befriender, you’ll help improve the quality of life for older people who are socially isolated and may feel lonely. You’ll call once a week to have a chat for about half an hour to help the person feel less isolated. You’ll also encourage them to access services and facilities within their community. Main tasks and responsibilities: • You’ll spend time talking on the phone. • You’ll establish and build a friendly and open relationship whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries. • You’ll ensure that the member’s needs are put first within all communication, whilst respecting the members’ privacy and independence. • You’ll maintain confidentiality, except in reporting back to the person that supports you, or in circumstances that will be discussed in your training. • You’ll undertake all training, or support meetings, as agreed with the person who supports you. • You’ll complete basic reporting and administrative tasks associated with the role. (e.g. Record of Calls). • To be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role. Benefits for you: • Help improve the quality of life for older people • Help reduce loneliness and isolation • Support your community • Keep socially active Skills and qualities needed: • Good communication and people skills • Enthusiasm • Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people • Reliable and punctual • Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality • A willingness to engage with training and development Training, support, and requirements: • You need to be aged 18 or over • A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required • We will provide you with a full induction for the role • Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role • Ongoing support from a named contact Times and Commitment: • 30 minute call per week in the comfort of your own home. Days and times can be flexible. • We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months *Please note- we can only accept applications from volunteers who currently live in the UK*
• Good communication and people skills • Enthusiasm • Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people • Reliable and punctual • Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality • A willingness to engage with training and development
• Help improve the quality of life for older people • Help reduce loneliness and isolation • Support your community • Keep socially active
• 30 minute call per week in the comfort of your own home. Days and times can be flexible. • We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months
