Gift of Friendship Programme Volunteer Befriender

Gift of Friendship Programme Volunteer Befriender  

Background

Age UK Croydon has received a generous donation from The Julia Rausing Trust as part of its wider partnership with Age UK, the national charity, to help fund its crucial friendship services that support older people in the local area.

This ‘Gift of Friendship’ from the Trust aims to help older people experiencing loneliness and isolation. Loneliness often stems from factors like bereavement, living alone and declining health. Loss of mobility or senses can leave many older people feeling disconnected, while financial worries can increase existing feelings of isolation. This can have serious consequences, undermining resilience and increasing risk of physical and mental illness.  

Volunteers Befrienders are offering support and company to people who may need that extra confidence to attend a local activity in Croydon. You could accompany someone to a local lunch group or activity or even just going with them to a park for a nice walk. They build relationships in the process, which enable meaningful conversations and help to identify support needs and other services and activities that will help maintain their clients’ mental health.   A key aim of the role is to support people with achieving their goals to live a happier life, accompany them, and build their confidence back to get out into the community and feel more independent.

Commitment 

Minimum of 6 months from start of the GoF Befriending match, includes:

·       30-minute informal interview.

·       Willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

·       1-hour core induction.

·       Mandatory training sessions.

·       Up to 1-2 hours a week engagement with your befriendee

·       Weekly accurate records of interactions with your befriendee

·       Regular check-in calls with Befriending Coordinator

Purpose of Role

Staff will assess the client and you will be given their profile and a support plan. Core tasks will include:

·       Weekly companionship contact in person.

·       Encouraging and accompanying to visits to other social events and activities in the local area e.g., a walk, GP, an IT class.

·       Spotting additional needs and identifying services and activities to address these.

·       Submitting a weekly report on the contact to include contact type, signposting and any concerns.

Support Provided 

• Full remote training and induction provided.
• We will complete the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application with you.
• Supervision and direct contact with the Befriending

Co-ordinator/Manager.

·       Join and participate in peer support groups and meet other volunteers to share experiences and good practice.

Skills and attributes   Required

·       Good communication with a friendly approachable manner

·       Solution focused.

·       Comfortable working alone.

·       Good record keeping.

·       Good listening skills

·       Reliable and committed to do at least 1 visit a week for the committed period.

·       Applicants must be over the age of 18.

·       Basic IT skills may be required depending on client’s needs.

Benefits

·       Learn new skills.

·       Enhance career prospects.

·       Meet people.

·       Make a difference.

·       Gain confidence

·       Travel expenses and hot drinks reimbursed

·       Social and celebration events

·       Exclusive invites to join and support community projects