Volunteer Befriender

What is the THB Connect Project?

The Helpful Bureau has been granted 3 year funding from the National Lottery Reaching Communities fund to develop its existing befriending project to reach more lonely and socially isolated older and disabled people in the Broxtowe area. The project will match volunteer befrienders with an older or disabled person in their area for regular face to face or telephone contact. The project will also be consulting with clients and looking for alternative ways to combat loneliness and social isolation; this could include activity and interest groups and we will be working with clients to develop new peer led groups.

Purpose of the role:

To support older and disabled people in the Broxtowe area who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. We are looking for volunteers to provide a befriending role; to listen and talk to older and disabled people. This can help reduce isolation, increase confidence and provide reassurance. We will aim to ensure that volunteers and service users are matched appropriately so that they are local and accessible.

Description of tasks:

• Visiting someone at home to build a trusting supportive relationship

• Offering support via the telephone

• Accompanying someone to self-help groups and social activities

Are there any tasks that Befriending Volunteers will NOT be expected to perform?

There are certain activities that Befriending Volunteers are not allowed to carry out. These include:

• Personal care i.e. bathing, showering, washing, toileting, help with feeding

• Lifting, moving or handling people

• Administering medication of any kind

• Providing medical advice

Key responsibilities:

• To agree with the service user and Project Coordinator home visits and/or phone calls to establish a supportive relationship

• To complete the Befriending Project reporting and expenses requirements in a timely manner

• To deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information

• To report any concerns to the Befriending Project Coordinator in line with The Helpful Bureau’s safeguarding procedures

• To keep in regular contact with the Befriending Project Coordinator

• To complete any required induction and ongoing training

• To agree to read and abide by The Helpful Bureau’s policies and procedures

• To undertake a DBS check (this will be organised by The Helpful Bureau)

Time Commitment:

• We are looking for people who can offer 1-2 hours of support per week, although if you can offer more time, this will be very welcome.

• Individual times are flexible and will be tailored to fit around your availability and requests from service users.

Training and Support:

• All volunteers will be given specific induction training to ensure they feel confident to undertake the role. Other relevant training will be offered as opportunities arise.

• Volunteers will be supported by the Befriending Project Coordinator through individual and group volunteer support sessions

Reimbursement of expenses:

Travel costs incurred through volunteering will be reimbursed as follows:

• Mileage costs at 45p per mile

• Public transport costs (receipts will need to be produced)

What are the benefits of volunteering with the THB Connect Befriending Project?

Some of the benefits of volunteering with the project include:

• Gaining confidence

• Getting more involved in your local community

• Making a real difference to someone’s life

• Learning new skills

• Meeting new people

• Full support and training

What skills do I need?

We are looking for people who are:

• Understanding

• Patient, polite and courteous

• Empathic

• Good at listening

• Able to communicate clearly with others

• Non-judgemental

• Reliable, honest and punctual

Other skills/knowledge that would be useful but not essential include:

• An understanding of loneliness and isolation

When do I need to be available?

Where does this role take place?