Volunteer Befriender

Volunteer Befriender

Posted for The Helpful Bureau

Posted by Newark, Sherwood, Rushcliffe & Broxtowe

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You will be redirected to the Newark, Sherwood, Rushcliffe & Broxtowe website to express your interest.

We are seeking empathetic and reliable individuals to volunteer as part of our Befriending Project, which provides vital social support to older and disabled residents within the Broxtowe Borough area.

Many of our clients are housebound and have limited social interaction, often experiencing loneliness and isolation. As a Befriending Volunteer, you will be matched with a client and offer befriending through regular phone calls or in-person visits. 

We also hold a reconnect coffee morning twice a month. The aim of the coffee morning is to give clients a social activity to attend boosting their mental wellbeing through an informal event. We encourage volunteers to attend when possible as it gives them the opportunity to engage with fellow volunteers, staff and other clients. 

Description:

• Visiting someone at home to build a trusting supportive relationship

• Offering support via the telephone

• Accompanying someone to self-help groups and social activities

Are there any tasks that Befriending Volunteers will NOT be expected to perform?

There are certain activities that Befriending Volunteers are not allowed to carry out. These include:

• Personal care i.e. bathing, showering, washing, toileting, help with feeding

• Lifting, moving or handling people

• Administering medication of any kind

• Providing medical advice

Key responsibilities:

• To agree with the service user and Project Coordinator home visits and/or phone calls to establish a supportive relationship

• To complete the Befriending Project reporting and expenses requirements in a timely manner

• To deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information

• To report any concerns to the Befriending Project Coordinator in line with The Helpful Bureau’s safeguarding procedures

• To keep in regular contact with the Befriending Project Coordinator

• To complete any required induction and ongoing training

• To agree to read and abide by The Helpful Bureau’s policies and procedures

• To undertake a DBS check (this will be organised by The Helpful Bureau)

Time Commitment:

• We are looking for people who can offer 1-2 hours of support per week, although if you can offer more time, this will be very welcome.

• Individual times are flexible and will be tailored to fit around your availability and requests from service users.

Training and Support:

• All volunteers will be given specific induction training to ensure they feel confident to undertake the role. Other relevant training will be offered as opportunities arise.

• Volunteers will be supported by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Reimbursement of expenses:

Travel costs incurred through volunteering will be reimbursed as follows:

• Mileage costs at 55p per mile

• Public transport costs (receipts will need to be produced)

What are the benefits of volunteering as a befriender?

Some of the benefits of volunteering with the project include:

• Gaining confidence

• Getting more involved in your local community

• Making a real difference to someone’s life

• Learning new skills

• Meeting new people

• Full support and training

What skills do I need?

We are looking for people who are:

• Understanding

• Patient, polite and courteous

• Empathic

• Good at listening

• Able to communicate clearly with others

• Non-judgemental

• Reliable, honest and punctual

Other skills/knowledge that would be useful but not essential include:

• An understanding of loneliness and isolation