Telephone Befriender

Opportunity Purpose Through short fixed term mentoring, support socially isolated older people build knowledge of, access to and the confidence to use community services that maintain their independence.

Main tasks:

• To build short term mentoring relationships with socially isolated older people by calling by telephone at an agreed time each week
• To support and encourage those referred to our befriending service to access activities and services near to where they live
• To act as a bridge to building new relationships, friendships and skills that promote self-confidence and continued independence
• To record and report details of weekly calls to the befriending coordinator by email

What skills do I need?

• A willingness and ability to participate in mandatory training sessions and attend regular update meetings as and when required
• A genuine interest and concern for older people
• Good listening and communication skills
• Knowledge and awareness of issues affecting older people
• Reliable and trustworthy

Volunteers must be over the age of 18, willing to undertake a DBS and induction training and willing to make a regular weekly commitment of approximately 1 hour.

A regular telephone call helps to alleviate loneliness and isolation, boost confidence and self-esteem, build trust and meaningful connections, and support emotional wellbeing.

Location

This opportunity has no specific location e.g. can be carried out anywhere.