Volunteer Befriender For Older People Volunteer Roles
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
Cecil Gardens is a large service containing ninety-nine apartments, close to the city centre of Hull and easily accessible by public transport. The service supports adults with a wide variety of needs including Over 18s, Mental Health needs, Older People, Learning Disabilities and Autism. Our service users live in self-contained apartments and have access to several communal spaces, including a restaurant, a hairdressers and a spa.
We are currently looking for volunteer befrienders at our Cecil Garden service in Hull, if you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.
Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener? We are looking for befrienders who can help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community. Maybe going for walks, trips to a local café, or, supporting somebody to attend their appointments.
Our volunteer befrienders will also encourage people to connect to our internal community here at our service, which includes a wide variety of activity sessions held in several communal spaces on site. As part of our Wellbeing service we are hoping to build a community amongst our Service Users and you will visit service users in their flats and encourage people to join in our activities and take part in events held here.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
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!
MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life. MHA Moorlands is a Retirement Living Scheme offering a supportive and friendly community with purpose-built properties designed to help our residents maintain their independence.
As a Befriender you’ll support one of our male residents by visiting him regularly to bring friendship, company, and a chance to chat. The visits will also include shopping trips (access to own vehicle required) and going for walks.
Benefits for you:
- Help improve the quality of life for older people
- Help reduce loneliness and isolation
- Support your community
- Keep socially active
- Be part of a friendly team
Skills and qualities desired:
- Good communication and people skills
- Enthusiasm
- Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
- Reliable and punctual
- Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
- A willingness to engage with training and development
- A good understanding of your personal strengths and limitations
Times and Commitment:
- Monday-Friday- preferably around 11am however the time can be negotiated
- Each visit will last around 2 hours
- We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of 6 months
Training, support and requirements:
- You need to be aged 18 or over
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
- Proof of a clean driving licence, insurance cover and MOT
- Access to own vehicle
- A good driving safety awareness
- 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
- Ongoing support from a named contact
*Please note- we can only accept applications from UK residents*
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!
MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life.
As a Volunteer Telephone Befriender, you’ll help improve the quality of life for older people who are socially isolated and may feel lonely. You’ll call once a week to have a chat for about half an hour to help the person feel less isolated. You’ll also encourage them to access services and facilities within their community.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- You’ll spend time talking on the phone.
- You’ll establish and build a friendly and open relationship whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries.
- You’ll ensure that the member’s needs are put first within all communication, whilst respecting the members’ privacy and independence.
- You’ll maintain confidentiality, except in reporting back to the person that supports you, or in circumstances that will be discussed in your training.
- You’ll undertake all training, or support meetings, as agreed with the person who supports you.
- You’ll complete basic reporting and administrative tasks associated with the role. (e.g. Record of Calls).
- To be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role.
Benefits for you:
- Help improve the quality of life for older people
- Help reduce loneliness and isolation
- Support your community
- Keep socially active
Skills and qualities needed:
- Good communication and people skills
- Enthusiasm
- Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
- Reliable and punctual
- Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
- A willingness to engage with training and development
Training, support, and requirements:
- You need to be aged 18 or over
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
- We will provide you with a full induction for the role.Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
- Ongoing support from a named contact
Times and Commitment:
- 30 minute call per week. Days and times can be flexible.
- We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months
*Please note- we can only accept applications from volunteers who currently live in the UK*
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
At Staying Well we run a Telephone Befriending Scheme.
If you have up to an hour free once a week for 6 months then this could be the volunteer role for you!
This is what the Befriending Network say about befriending:
“Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone.
Befriending offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated. Around the UK, there are befriending projects which organise effective support for children and young people, families, people with mental ill-health, people with learning disabilities and older people, amongst many others.
The results of befriending can be very significant. Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life, opens up a range of activities and leads to increased self-esteem and self confidence. Befriending can also reduce the burden on other services which people may use inappropriately as they seek social contact.”
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
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!
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
- Out of pocket expenses in accordance with MHA’s Expenses Policy
- 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.
Still interested? Great, apply to me via indeed and we can arrange a meeting within a few days, to do your informal interview.
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!
At MHA Communities East Surrey we support older people to live independently in their own homes and communities. We offer a variety of social activities and services for people aged 55 and over. We currently need Befrienders in Reigate, Horley, Banstead, Redhill and surrounding areas.
Some of our MHA community members are socially isolated and feeling lonely. As a Befriender you’ll be matched with a member and visit them regularly in their own home to bring friendship, company, and a chance to chat. You may also offer practical support such as; reading a newspaper or their favourite book or accompany the member shopping or to a recreational activity.
Benefits for you:
- Help improve the quality of life for older people
- Help reduce loneliness and isolation
- Support your community
- Keep socially active
- Be part of a friendly team
Skills and qualities are needed:
- Good communication and people skills
- Enthusiasm
- Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
- Reliable and punctual
- Clear sense of personal boundaries and maintain confidentiality
- A willingness to engage with training and development
- A good understanding of your personal strengths and limitations
Times and Commitment:
- Days and times are flexible and are based on your availability and the needs of the member.
- Each visit last around 1-2 hours
- We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis
- We ask that you make a minimum of six months commitment to this role
Training, support and requirements:
- You need to be aged 18 or over
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
- 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
- Out of pocket expenses in accordance with MHA’s Expenses Policy
*Please note- we can only accept applications from volunteers who currently live in the UK
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!
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.