Age UK East Sussex - Befriending Connections (Enabling Connections) Volunteer

The role in a nutshell:

Exciting New Face to Face Befriending Connections Service - Community Outreach across East Sussex. 

From isolation to participation – be the link. 

Do you have some time each week to make a real difference? 

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to support older people to reconnect with their community and reduce loneliness.

What will you be doing?

In short:
• Visit a client weekly

• Support them to attend local groups

• Build confidence, connection, and wellbeing.
 
In longer terms: 

• Volunteer alongside the Befriender Coordinator

• Visit client(s) assigned to you through the Befriender Coordinator

• Visit your assigned client(s) once a week at a mutually agreed time (lone working)

• Facilitate agreed goals set by the Volunteer coordinator in collaboration with the client

• The client remains within the service for up to 6 months

• Complete data collection with the client at the start, middle and end of the service

• Attend monthly group supervisions

• Complete weekly report of face-to-face contact via the online encrypted platform, Assemble (full training provided)

• Raise any concerns you may have regarding your client(s) with the Befriender coordinator

How would you be supported in this role?

• An induction and ongoing training and support sessions
• Excellent training opportunities
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket travelling expenses
• Full recognition of the time, energy and skills volunteers freely give - for example long service and merit awards
• Understanding the impact of supporting local community and developing valuable skills for future carer prospects
• The opportunity to be part of a friendly team
• The opportunity to meet other volunteers and attend occasional social events
• The opportunity to be involved in the planning and development of Age UK East Sussex Services
• Appropriate insurance cover - to protect you whilst you are acting on behalf of AGE UK East Sussex
• The opportunity to enhance your skills