Family Befriending Volunteer Roles in London, Greater London

Unfold is an established local charity (previously known as Westminster Befriend a Family), supporting young people and families to reach their potential, identifying and achieving their goals through mentoring.  We support families and young people in Westminster and its neighbouring boroughs with mentoring programmes and peer support groups for women with children.

Unfold Trustees 

Trustees play a key role in ensuring that Unfold achieves its core purpose and overseeing the overall management and administration of the charity. They also help to ensure that Unfold has a clear strategic vision and that we are working in line with our charitable aims. Trustees support and challenge Unfold’s CEO to enable Unfold to thrive.

We are looking for two Trustees to support our vision and take on the following responsibilities: 

Responsibilities 

• Support and advise on Unfold’s vision, goals and activities 

• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation 

• Oversee the charity’s budgets and financial plans and monitor and evaluate progress 

• Ensure that risks are being identified, monitored and managed effectively 

• Ensure the effective administration of the charity 

• Provide support and challenge to Unfold’s CEO 

• Keep up to date with changes within the environment that Unfold operates 

• Engage with and be accountable to our service-user accountability structures, our Youth Advisory Council and our Women’s Advisory Council, who support us in setting strategic direction and to whom we are accountable. 

• Contribute to reviews of the charity’s governance 

• Attend board meetings and be adequately prepared to contribute to the discussion. At least 50% of those meetings will be in person in our fully accessible London office. 

• Support the promotion of Unfold's aims and reputation

• Contribute to the charity’s sub-committees and attend sub-committee meetings adequately prepared to contribute to the discussion 

Skill and Experience 

• Knowledge and experience of the charity sector 

• An understanding of and the ability to support Unfold’s fundraising strategy 

• An understanding of statutory services which might be supporting families, children, young people, mental health and wellbeing, which might be through knowledge and experience in local authorities or the public sector 

• Strong communication skills and able to contribute to board discussions 

• Knowledge or lived experience in the borough of Westminster

• Understanding of safeguarding the welfare of children or vulnerable adults 

Personal Attributes  

• Personable and positive

• Willingness to learn and contribute. 

• People orientated with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion 

• Passionate about supporting families to improve outcomes for children, young people and parents. 

Values 

Trustworthy, non-judgemental, transparent, caring and compassionate, empowering, proactive, self-motivated and accountable 

We Particularly Encourage Applications From: 

• Candidates from under-represented groups including women and those from Black, Asian, or minority ethnic backgrounds

• People from marginalised groups, such as people who consider themselves LGBTQ+, disabled or otherwise facing challenges.

• Individuals with knowledge or lived experience of Westminster and the surrounding boroughs. 

• People with less experience but a keen enthusiasm and commitment to our aims based on lived experience. 

Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs

Purpose of the role

With your friendly attitude and knowledge of the local area, you could be the support a Midland Mencap citizen needs to access and enjoy their local community and make a big difference to their lives.

Some of our citizens may be dealing with a variety of difficulties including depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, Your role will be to help them to enjoy their local community in the way that they want; this may include activities such as going shopping, attending an event, visiting a park or a local facility – and having fun.

What would I be doing?

·Visit a Midland Mencap citizen

·Accompany them to agreed community locations and activities

·Provide a befriending support role to ensure the citizen enjoys a positive experience

·    To record and maintain basic records as required

·To ensure the activities undertaken complies with safeguarding, equal opportunities, health & safety and other policies and the guidelines provided by Midland Mencap.

What do I need?

· Being approachable and friendly

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge of, and able to travel to local places

· Accepting of others who might be different to you and the ability to work as part of a diverse team

· A willingness to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Good time management skills, reliability

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

· A minimum of 2 visits per month

· Days and times are flexible and agreed in advance, but there may be some specific activities the citizen wishes to attend

· In the local community

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers

· An induction and settling in period

· Any training and development that is needed

· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

· Support within your role

· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

· Positive wellbeing from doing something great

· Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV and ask us for a reference

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.

Purpose of role:

With an ageing population, more and more older people are at risk of isolation and loneliness as partners and friends pass away, family members move away and the community around them changes at a fast pace.  As a Befriender, you will become part of the solution to tackling the issues of isolation and loneliness by developing strong relationships with clients and encouraging them to engage in a variety of ways.

Main activities/tasks:

• Visit or call an older person once a week for around an hour
• Spend time getting to know them and understand what things they may like to do at home (e.g. chess, knitting, reading)
• Offer healthy and fun conversation and encourage them to talk
• Give support to enable them to get out in the community and encourage participation in activities
• Promote healthy living and wellbeing
• Accompany them on visits out of the home e.g. going for a walk, shopping
• Support them to find information
• Make monthly reports on visits carried out