Befriender Volunteer

Community Connections Lewisham, a project run by Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, are committed to reducing social isolation in Lewisham. We are looking to fill volunteer befriender roles to be able to provide positive relationships to the most isolated in our community.

These individuals are referred to us through Adult Social Care, GPs, Hospitals and local community services and social groups.

Volunteering with Community Connections Lewisham will give you access to our induction, training, other voluntary roles, and can give great experience of the charity and health and social care sector in the borough.

Please when applying give your availability, reasons for wanting to become a befriender, and a brief description of how you would like to be introduced to a potential befriendee.

Responsibilities:

• Provide one to one companionship to individuals at risk of social isolation for up to an hour a week over the phone, in the service user's home or in the community
• Be able to maintain a relationship with at least one individual for at least 6 months
• Support and encourage your befriendees to access their community through emotional support and signposting to activities and groups
• Attend full induction and training in the role
• Update our systems with details of interactions with your befriendees
• Represent Community Connections Befriending in the community, and be able to identify others who would be interested in volunteering
• Understand the importance, and process for reporting any concerns or safeguarding to the relevant people/organisations
• Willing to have enhanced DBS check for working with vulnerable adults

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Work Location: In person