Volunteer - Befriender

Volunteer role: Befriender

Reports to: Befriender Lead

Commitment level: Flexible – typically one to two hours per week. Times mutually agreed between Befriender and Befriendee.

Location: Stamford, Bourne, Deeping and surrounding villages.

Purpose of the Voluntary role:

The purpose of this role is to provide a Befriendee (a service user or member who needs social engagement, is lonely or bereaved) with an opportunity to develop a wholesome and mutually caring relationship with a willing partner (Befriender). The Trust believes that honest friendships are a positive way of establishing social value and support for those who may, for any number of reasons, find themselves isolated, alone, or lonely.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safe storage of Befriendee data, files, key safe code

• Honest and accurate in all record keeping

• Maintain appropriate boundaries and knowing the limits of the Befriending role

• Raise any concerns with the Befriender Lead

• Maintain confidentiality at all times unless given express permission to share information

• Uphold the Values of Evergreen Care Trust.

Key relationships:

• Befriendee 

• Working with the Befriender Lead and Members of the Team

• Working with Members of Staff delivering the Trust’s ‘Paid for’ Services 

• Working alongside other Volunteer Groups within the Trust  

Skills, Qualifications and experience required:

No formal qualifications are required

Qualities of a Befriender include: Being friendly, honest and open, caring, a good listener, reliable and vigilant.

Desirable Skills: Your own transport would be helpful but is not essential.

Training and support required:

Mandatory Online Safeguarding training 

Introduction session to the role of a Befriender

Shadow an existing Befriender

Regular updates and support from ‘the Befriender team’

Invitation to attend relevant training courses as and when they are arranged

Availability of parking at work location:

Limited parking at Evergreen Care Office in Stamford.   Home visits are usually arranged so parking can be varied upon location.

Equipment:

Non applicable

Expenses:

Non Applicable

Is this role eligible for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which is renewable every three years?          YES 

If Yes, what level of DBS check is required for the role?

Enhanced DBS