Volunteer telephone befriender volunteer volunteer roles

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

About the Role

We are looking for a volunteer to join our team as an Activity Support & Driver. This role is all about helping one individual enjoy a wider range of activities in the community. You’ll play a key part in making outings possible by driving their car and offering practical support during trips. Together, you’ll help create positive experiences and build confidence through regular activities.

What Will You Do?

· Drive the individual’s car for trips out in the community

· Support the person to enjoy activities and social opportunities

· Help establish a routine of outings that enrich their life

When?

We’re looking for someone who can volunteer 2–3 times per week, ideally on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Each session will be arranged in advance to fit around your availability.

What We’re Looking For

· Full manual driving licence (essential)

· Caring and positive attitude

· Comfortable helping with wheelchair mobility

· Enjoys going out and engaging in community activities

What We Offer

- Travel expenses covered for each volunteering shift

- Activity expenses discussed with the individual and support staff

- Support to get familiar with our vehicles (usually a Ford Tourneo, occasionally a Vauxhall Movano)

- Full training and ongoing guidance from the volunteer team and a designated staff member

Important Information:

- A DBS check will be carried out

- We will request two references

- All volunteers complete online training before starting

- You’ll be supported every step of the way by our volunteer team and the service staff

We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to spend time with residents in one of our learning disability services.

What will you be doing?
You could get involved in:

· Gardening and enjoying the outdoors

· Cooking or baking together

· Colouring, puzzles, and arts & crafts

· Having a good chat over a cup of tea

· Simple, sociable activities that bring smiles

If you enjoy being creative, spending time outdoors, or just sharing good conversation, this is a fantastic way to make a real difference.

When?
Ideally, we’re looking for someone who can volunteer weekly or fortnightly during the day on weekdays on weekends. We’re happy to discuss what works best for you.

What’s in it for you?

· Make a positive impact in the lives of five amazing people

· Share your skills and hobbies

· Gain experience in a supportive environment

· Travel expenses covered for each volunteering shift

· Activity costs agreed with the service

If you’re kind, patient, and enjoy creative or outdoor activities, we’d love to hear from you!

Interested?
Get in touch today and help us create meaningful moments for our residents.

For all our volunteer roles a DBS check will be carried out and we will request two references. All volunteers will need to complete online volunteer training in preparation for your role. You will be supported by both the volunteer team and a designated member of staff in the service too.

Do you love games, music, and creative activities? We’re looking for a sociable, enthusiastic volunteer to spend time with residents in our learning disability service in Swindon. This is all about bringing energy, fun, and companionship to their day.

What could you do together?

- Play board games or puzzles

- Enjoy arts and crafts projects

- Listen to music and share favourite tunes

- Chat and spend quality time together

We’re looking for someone who’s friendly, energetic, and enjoys making people smile. No special skills needed—just a positive attitude and a willingness to join in!

When?

Biweekly on a day agreed between you and the service. We’re flexible and happy to work around your availability.

What’s in it for you?

· Make a real difference in someone’s life

· Share your hobbies and creativity

· Gain experience in a supportive environment

· Travel expenses covered for each volunteering shift

· Full training and ongoing support provided

If you’re fun, sociable, and love creative or musical activities, we’d love to hear from you!

Interested?

Get in touch today and help us create joyful, meaningful moments.

For all our volunteer roles a DBS check will be carried out and we will request two references. All volunteers will need to complete online volunteer training in preparation for your role. You will be supported by both the volunteer team and a designated member of staff in the service too.

Join Our Team as a Volunteer in our Helpline!

Service: Helpline
Service Opening Hours: 24/7
Location: Waterside House, Sunderland.

About us
Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with over 35 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Devon, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce who are committed to delivering the best quality services to those in need of support.

Everything about MHM is people focused, our people are central to delivering the highest quality of service and care to our clients and service users.

At our Mental Health Helpline, we offer a crucial lifeline, providing compassionate listening and crisis de-escalation for numerous NHS Trusts. We're on the lookout for empathetic and dedicated individuals to join us in delivering this transformative support.

About the role
Our Volunteers are incredibly important in supporting the work we do, and we value individuals who dedicate their time to find the perfect fit within our organisation.

We are currently excited to welcome volunteers to the Helpline, to support with our emotional support provision.

The service operates 24/7 but we welcome applications to fit around your availability and capacity.

You will be part of a team that provides emotional support and signposting to our callers and will be supported by the Telephone Support Workers and Shift Supervisors at all times.

About you

Your involvement at the Helpline will make a meaningful difference to those we support.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on others’ lives?
Do you have empathy and understanding towards different perspectives?
Are you happy to work as part of a team?
Would you like to learn new skills and develop your abilities to listen and support people?

If these qualities resonate with you, we’d love to hear from you and explore how your unique skills and passions can enhance our service.

Requirements
No prior experience is required, and lived experience is always welcomed. We provide comprehensive training – all we ask is that you’re ready to take the next step in supporting others.

This is a great opportunity for someone with an interest in health and social care services and a drive to make a positive impact.

Please Note - Due to the nature of the role, our volunteers will need to be over the age of 18 and will be expected to complete an Enhanced DBS check.

Our commitment to you
When you choose to volunteer with us, you’ll have a dedicated support system in place. Our Helpline management team will collaborate to craft a personalised development plan that aligns with your goals of volunteering.

Your aspirations and interests, whatever they may be, will be at the forefront of this plan. We’re here to ensure that your experience as a volunteer is both fulfilling and aligned with what you hope to achieve through your time with us.

We also commit to providing reasonable travel expenses (up to £5 a day).

Do you want to volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of older people within your community in East Sussex?

 We’re looking for volunteers to support our work in a variety of ways. Whether you would enjoy helping customers in one of our shops, or become a Befriender either chatting on the telephone or meeting people face to face, there are roles to suit every interest and availability.

 By volunteering with us, you’ll help reduce loneliness, provide vital support, and bring smiles to older people across East Sussex.