Befriending Volunteer Roles in Harrow, Greater London

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.

Together Talks Telephone Befriending Service is looking for people who would like to join us in helping to provide support to as many people as possible during challenging times. Telephone Befriending has the potential to be an important aspect of the overall approach to helping the most isolated and lonely individuals in our society. Telephone Befriending can also benefit the volunteer befrienders who are similarly able to reengage with their community and may derive health benefits from regular volunteering. Our aim is to alleviate feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation that may be experienced by many people across our communities, by contact from a volunteer befriender. If you’re a friendly person who likes talking to people, then this is the role for you. This service aims to capture volunteers who have their own telephone. Ideally, you will have unlimited minutes on your personal mobile so the calls should not cost you anything. 

What does a Volunteer Telephone Befriender do?

To telephone Befriendee’s at their home for around 10 -30 minutes. You will arrange the exact times of your future calls direct with the Befriendee’s. This could range from once a day to once a week, but individual needs will be matched with your availability 

To provide a telephone conversation, a listening ear and chat about interests and hobbies, helping to alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation.

To provide companionship and human interaction at a time when this may be limited.

To provide an update after each call to the Together Talks support Team. This is so we can keep a track of the amount of befriending calls each volunteer is undertaking, the type of support being offered during these calls and if there is anything further required.

It is important to note telephone befriending is not counselling or therapy and other services must be sought if this is required.

Benefits

• Free DBS.
• Discounted food.
• Store discount.
• Work from home.
• Above all you will be making a positive difference in your befriendee’s life.
• As a volunteer telephone befriender, you will learn how to support others, make friends, become more confident, and practice communication skills.
• You will gain new and transferable skills. We offer support for you to increase your own job-readiness and personal development.
• Training opportunities,
• Volunteering experience
• Detailed references will be provided.

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Volunteer - Homeline befriending project

 Homeline is a befriending project for older people based in Hammersmith and Fulham.

If you have an hour or two to spare each week and befriend an isolated person in their own home we would love to hear from you.

You could provide companionship or accompanying someone outdoors to assist them to remain independent in the community and help them avoid becoming housebound.

Join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.

The role is for a Befriender in our Tenancy Sustainment Teams in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth and we’re now recruiting for volunteers. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.

The Tenancy Sustainment teams support people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing accommodation and support to assist people off the streets.

We work with people who are have experienced rough sleeping and, once accommodated, SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.

SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth, Sutton, and Kingston.

The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing befriending support to the clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)

It would be desirable if you had a driving license.

Help tackle loneliness and isolation in your Community. As a Volunteer Befriender, you will visit an older person in their own home once a week for a chat and to provide companionship. 

Our Befriending service supports older adults by alleviating loneliness and isolation, supporting independence, and increasing self-confidence, by making weekly or fortnightly visits to a client living in the borough of Croydon.

We place emphasis on making the right match for you and the client to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience. One of the befriending team will work closely with you during the match process and accompany you on your first visit to introduce you to the client.

You will be assigned a line manager who will support and encourage you. We provide a befriending induction along with training and ongoing support to ensure that you are fully equiped and ready for what will be a rewarding and positive experience. Feedback from our clients and volunteers show the huge impact on wellbeing that an hour a week can make.

What will I be doing?

• Visiting an older person in their own home once a week maybe for a cup of tea and a chat.
• Providing companionship.
• Other activities mutually agreed by the Client and the Volunteer such as reading together and puzzles.

What we ask for:

• Good listening skills.
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude.
• An ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Realiability.
• Willingness to adhere to Age UK Croydon's policies and procedures

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.

Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others. This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone We ask you to commit to between 1 and 3 hours per week to facilitate Talk and Support befriending groups which will be at the same day and time each week. Each group runs for an hour.

Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others. This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone We ask you to commit to between 1 and 3 hours per week to facilitate Talk and Support befriending groups which will be at the same day and time each week. Each group runs for an hour.

Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Brent. Volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us - Big Buddies and Family Befriending. 

Our Big Buddies support young people, in the boroughs above, aged 10-18 for a few hours weekly or fortnightly over a period of 6 or 12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Young people have an equal voice in deciding how they wish to spend their time

Activities might include:.

• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!

Essential Criteria:

• Level of commitment mentioned above
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Brent.  Volunteers offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Family Befriending. 

Our Family Befrienders support parents and families; volunteers will aim to help families/single parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their family weekly or fortnightly for a period of 6 to 12 months.

Activities might include:

• Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Helping family members build confidence in themselves.

Essential Criteria:

• Level of commitment mentioned above
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

Do you enjoy meeting new people and chatting?

Do you have an hour to spare weekly, chatting to an Older Person on the Telephone?

Are you happy to provide two referees and complete a DBS check, ( free of charge)?

If so, we would love to hear from you?

Methodist Homes (MHA) is seeking Volunteer Telephone Befrienders to support our members and residents in various locations nationwide.

Through specialist care homes, thriving retirement living and vibrant community groups and befriending, we inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life.

With 80 years experience, we put people at the heart of everything we do in all our homes, schemes and community services across Britain.

The ideal individual will have an understanding of the needs of Older People, be kind and compassionate and enjoy the company of Older People.

What training and support will be provided:

• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role as appropriate
• Ongoing support from a named contact
• Dementia Friends online course-(if you wish)
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (as needed)

Times and Commitment

· We ask that you make a minimum of 4-6 months commitment to this role

· We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis, to be agreed with your named contact

We will guide you through an application which takes 2-3 weeks. You will have a dedicated Recruiter, who will meet you on a video call.

Deafblind UK members have combined sight and hearing loss and many can feel lonely or socially isolated. We offer a free telephone befriending service where we match volunteers with one of our members to have a weekly 30 minute chat together.

We are looking for confident, empathetic and friendly people who can hold a good conversation. You could be chatting about similar interests or learning about each other’s lives. Whatever the conversation you’ll be having a positive impact.

One 30 minute call seems really simple but having someone to talk to and someone to listen, could really make a difference to our members. It could be that you’re the only person they speak to that day, or even that week.

Our members love to chat with people who have had some life experience and stories to tell. You will need good communication skills and be able to strike up a conversation. You will also need to be reliable, patient with a naturally warm and friendly nature.

We will ensure you are supported throughout your journey with us, offering training and support at all times.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Why we need your help

The Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service is provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness that have dementia and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Befriender volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.

What we need you to do

Your role will include, some of, but not restricted to the following tasks:

• Complete all initial mandatory Dementia Befriender volunteer training, as well as any refresher training whilst you are a Marie Curie volunteer
• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, for example in a family’s home, in a care home or out in the community.
• Provide one to one companionship and support. For example - Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in everyday conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Accompanying them to an appointment, social groups or taking short trips out. Helping with small daily tasks eg making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. Signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested.

(This list is only an outline as support will vary according to the needs of those using the service. Dementia Befriender volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice)
• Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Dementia Befriending service. Examples include submitting written report forms, identifying and briefing a lone worker Buddy, and following procedures for lone worker safety.
• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend group events and training sessions for Marie Curie Dementia Befriender volunteers
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator as required
• Represent the Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service positively to those using the service
• Support with Advanced Care Planning for clients

What skills or experience do you need?

• Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for approximately 3 hours a week
• Patience, empathy and emotional stability
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
• Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role
• A friendly and sensitive approach
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others Respect for individuals, regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status

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

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect.  We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.  We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Why we need your help

The Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service is provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness that have dementia and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Befriender volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.

What we need you to do

Your role will include, some of, but not restricted to the following tasks:

• Complete all initial mandatory Dementia Befriender volunteer training, as well as any refresher training whilst you are a Marie Curie volunteer
• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, for example in a family’s home, in a care home or out in the community.
• Provide one to one companionship and support. For example - Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in everyday conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Accompanying them to an appointment, social groups or taking short trips out. Helping with small daily tasks eg making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. Signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested.

(This list is only an outline as support will vary according to the needs of those using the service. Dementia Befriender volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice)
• Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Dementia Befriending service. Examples include submitting written report forms, identifying and briefing a lone worker Buddy, and following procedures for lone worker safety.
• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend group events and training sessions for Marie Curie Dementia Befriender volunteers
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator as required
• Represent the Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service positively to those using the service
• Support with Advanced Care Planning for clients

What skills or experience do you need?

• Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for approximately 3 hours a week
• Patience, empathy and emotional stability
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
• Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role
• A friendly and sensitive approach
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others Respect for individuals, regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status

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

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect.  We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.  We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

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.