Befriender Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Age restrictions: 18+
Why we need your help
Marie Curie recognises that the best way to understand its services is by seeing it through the
eyes of the people we support. Feedback from people we care for is critical in telling us what
we are doing well and where we can improve.
Through this exciting volunteer role, you will help us understand our services’ quality by
listening to the people we support. You will help us by contacting people while they are
receiving our services to make sure we are providing our patients and families with excellent
care, and if there are issues, to help us nip things in the bud.
This role has the scope for broader conversations with people about their experiences at the
end of life. Gaining insight and understanding allows us to ensure we’re there for all people
experiencing dying, death and bereavement.
What we need you to do
Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:
• Speak with patients and families over the phone to complete surveys
about their experiences of our care and support.
• Record data accurately, capturing as much as possible in the person’s
own words.
• Input feedback data into online an online database.
• If comfortable, undertake analysis of data to help us report on themes
and trends; what we are doing well and what we can improve.
• Communicate with patients and families how we use their feedback and ideas to improve
services, where appropriate.
• Work with the Clinical Nurse Managers to highlight any issues and concerns about the care
provided in their services.
• Relay positive feedback to Marie Curie Nursing staff and volunteers.
• If comfortable, conduct semi-structured interviews to understand peoples’ lived
experiences of dying, death, and bereavement.
What skills or experience do you need?
• Good communication, listening and people skills.
• The ability to deal with people in a warm, friendly, and sensitive manner.
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality.
• Empathy and an understanding of the needs of people experiencing end of life care issues.
What we can offer you
• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
What we ask of you
• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related
to the role
• To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role
Note - weekend/evening volunteering is not available for this role, we are looking for volunteers who are able to give some time between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
About Us
Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left.
Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Choice in Hackney is currently recruiting Volunteer Walking Friends who will accompany our service users on walks to help them feel less isolated.
Job Requirements:
- Available to commit to the project for a minimum of 3 months;
- Open-mindedness and willing to learn;
Benefits:
- References for future employers etc. where appropriate
- Flexible commitment (time, geographical area, etc.)
- Regular support from the Volunteer Coordinator (by phone, in person, and by email)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (including safety equipment such ask masks or gloves) reimbursed
- Joining a friendly and supportive volunteer community
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteer Independent Visitors from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people.
Our Staffordshire and Stoke Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
- Are you passionate about wanting to help young people?
- Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month?
- Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment?
If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you.
You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with.
You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided.
Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer:
- Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her.
- Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people.
- Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake.
- Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals.
- Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together.
*names have been changed
The Application
- Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime
- The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person
- Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process
Our values are to be Compassionate, Open and Bold. If this sounds like you, please click the apply button. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call or email and we will be happy to help.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership, our objective is to provide practical and emotional support, ultimately helping our clients achieve a sustainable position as full members of our society. Many of our clients are destitute, homeless and have no access to assistance from the government. Our mission is to provide access to advice and essential services until statutory services are in place.
Volunteering at the Drop-In centre provides an opportunity for you to help our refugee clients with any issues they might have. We have sessions running every Tuesday between 11am and 1pm at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Watford. The Drop-In provides an opportunity for refugee clients to come and discuss any issues they have and to be listened to by one of our volunteers. Many of our clients are likely to have lived here for a while but an issue or crisis in their lives means that they need to discuss it and seek some help. They may also be in the process of seeking asylum. We can provide advice and sometimes resolve their issue there and then and at other times we refer them to another agency or invite them to come back once their issue has been looked into.
The Drop-In Centre could not function without our team of committed volunteers, and we are always looking for additional help.
Full training given on starting the role as well as regular training sessions and continual support from more experienced volunteers.
Responsibilities:
· Help with filling in forms and interpreting official documents.
· Liaising with statutory and voluntary agencies.
· Referring clients for follow up action by our Case Review Team and linking them with a befriender.
· Referring clients to our partner solicitor who specialises in immigration law and comes to the Drop-In 4th Tuesday of the month.
· Advice on how to access appropriate housing and free food in the area.
· Access to the charity’s other services, such as free English classes.
Requirements:
· Able to attend at least one Tuesday Drop-In a month.
· Complete training as required and attend bi-monthly volunteer support meetings.
Skills:
· An ability to communicate and empathise with people from a variety of backgrounds and needs.
· Basic IT skills.
· Assist clients in accessing essential services such as legal, housing, financial and food.
· Can work well as part of a team.
· Enthusiasm to help refugee clients.
Desirable experience:
· Previous volunteering experience.
· Previous experience working in a people-facing role.
If you are interested in becoming a Drop-In volunteer please apply via Charity Jobs or contact us and a volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss this further.
Please send CV to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer - Homeline’s tele-befriending service!
Do you have an hour to spare each week? Want a simple remote volunteer role you can fit around your busy life?
Look no further! Homeline is a befriending project for older people in Hammersmith and Fulham.
We are looking for volunteers to remotely call a few isolated older adults per week. These calls make such a difference and are often the only phone call a person will receive all week!
A flexible role ideal for volunteers who work during the week and have less time to commit. Join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.
Get in touch, join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The impact a volunteer telephone befriender can have on a lonely individual is amazing and for many of our service users our volunteer telephone befrienders are the only people in their lives who can offer quality time for a nice chat. With just one hour of your time per week you can help provide companionship and support for someone suffering from chronic loneliness.
You will have to complete a DBS check and an Adult’s Safeguarding training, both covered by our organisation.
For this role volunteers will gain:
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Confidence using the telephone.
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Develop interpersonal and communication skills.
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Free Safeguarding and DBS check
Time Commitment
Volunteers can give a minimum of 1 hour per week and must commit to a minimum of 3 months. However, the longer you commit to this role the more you will benefit.
Training
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Level 2 Safeguarding adults
We offer ongoing supervision and regular catch ups with team members. The volunteer has the opportunity to meet with fellow volunteers for monthly or bimonthly zoom events.
Is a DBS Check required?
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We require all applicants to provide two references. DBS is required for this role, but the cost will be provided by the Dialogue Society
Personal Requirements
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Engage with a client to provide support on a weekly basis or schedule a specific time with the client.
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For this role you will need a clear and polite telephone manner.
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The ability to actively listen, empathise and promote conversation.
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Adhere to the appropriate guidelines while communicating with the clients, preserving the reputation of the organisation.
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To identify if a person may be at risk and alert a supervisor.
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To maintain confidentiality.
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To work within a team of volunteers and staff.
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To work within Dialogue Society’s policies and procedures
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A non-discriminatory and a non-judgemental attitude
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Reliable
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
With the growth of Chronically Marvellous, we need more volunteers to operate our helpline, to give support and help to our community.
What will you be doing?
Our Helpline volunteers will work in shifts to ensure that our helpline is always staffed for our community.
Are you able to listen with empathy, understanding and without judgement? If so, you could play an important role as a volunteer for the Chronically Marvellous community. We are always in need of dedicated volunteers to join our growing service, to provide an ear to those who feel isolated and in need of support.
Our Helpline offers support to people in many ways: through signposting to other services, by offering a friendly chat at any time of day, for example. It is a crucial service and is often the first point of contact for people with chronic illnesses who need support.
The role will include:
Being the first point of contact for incoming calls, handling the calls sensitively and professionally
Being empathetic, non-judgemental and offering a friendly listening ear
Signposting to other relevant trusted services if appropriate, or noting down a need so that we can assess them for our services
Ensuring that relevant data is recorded after each call
Escalating any concerns via the appropriate channels and seek support when needed.
You will receive training and ongoing support in this role.
All roles at Chronically Marvellous are subject to a DBS check.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people with a willingness to listen with empathy, understanding and without judgement. You will be acting as a first point of contact and it is important that calls are handled in a way that respects the individual.
You need to have:
Experience in a customer service role/volunteer work as a befriender/other similar experience
Excellent communication and active listening skills
Empathy and sensitivity for people with chronic illnesses
Be able to commit for around 5 hours per week
What difference will you make?
Having a staffed Helpline will ensure that our community always have someone to talk to, giving them more independence and empowering them to improve their overall quality of life.
Please send us your CV and a short statement about why you are interested in Chronically Marvellous, and what experience you have for the role.
After shortlisting, we will contact potential fundraisers to offer a Zoom call with the Directors.
We believe in the power of community and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those living with chronic illnesses.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our volunteers champion the rights of young people in care and on the edges of care, support them to access advocacy and make their voices heard. Training is provided. Whether you are currently studying, recently graduated, working part-time, retired or between jobs, volunteering with Coram Voice is a great opportunity to make a difference at the same time as gaining experience of working for a national children’s rights charity.
Our Helpline Supervisors will support you to develop valuable advocacy skills and knowledge of children’s rights and we offer specialist training in safeguarding, equality and diversity and advocacy. This training and other resources will help you to prepare for the role. You will be joining a team that provides quality support to young people in a friendly and supportive environment.
Our volunteer team is integral to our service and we could not provide the service we do without them, particularly in terms of the support we offer to homeless children.
We believe this role will be of particular interest to anyone looking to develop a career involving giving advice, advocacy, children’s and human rights, legal work, social work or youth work; or for professionals in those fields who want to use their experience to support the work of a children’s charity.
Please see our candidate information document for more information about our organisation and the training provided.
We ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this position. We have chosen to recruit directly as this helps us to minimise our recruitment costs, ensuring that funds are not diverted from the children and young people we help.
We are a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children and get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title – Children’s Advocacy Helpline Volunteer
Contract - Volunteer
Hours - Minimum 1 day a week for minimum of 1 year post training period, Helpline opening hours Monday to Friday 10am-6pm
Salary – Out of pocket expenses for travel (up to £10 per day) and Lunch (up to £5 per day)
Location – Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
About Coram Voice
Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold the system to account, to challenge and support it to do its job properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.
About the role
Our volunteers champion the rights of young people in care and on the edges of care, support them to access advocacy and make their voices heard. Training is provided. Whether you are currently studying, recently graduated, working part-time, retired or between jobs, volunteering with Coram Voice is a great opportunity to make a difference at the same time as gaining experience of working for a national children’s rights charity.
Our Helpline Supervisors will support you to develop valuable advocacy skills and knowledge of children’s rights and we offer specialist training in safeguarding, equality and diversity and advocacy. This training and other resources will help you to prepare for the role. You will be joining a team that provides quality support to young people in a friendly and supportive environment.
Our volunteer team is integral to our service and we could not provide the service we do without them, particularly in terms of the support we offer to homeless children.
We believe this role will be of particular interest to anyone looking to develop a career involving giving advice, advocacy, children’s and human rights, legal work, social work or youth work; or for professionals in those fields who want to use their experience to support the work of a children’s charity.
Please see our candidate information document for more information about our organisation and the training provided.
We ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this position. We have chosen to recruit directly as this helps us to minimise our recruitment costs, ensuring that funds are not diverted from the children and young people we help.
To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application, please note we do not accept cvs.
Closing Date: 2nd June 2024 23.59pm
Interview Date: Candidates will be interviewed as they apply
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.