Volunteer Befriender

BEFRIENDER VOLUNTEER- (East Sussex Area)

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE:

Older persons are at risk of becoming isolated and losing their community connections. As a mainly Telephone Befriender Volunteer, you'll work flexibly from the comfort of your own home and contact older persons to understand their service needs. If you love talking to others, are polite and empathetic, and have access to a phone, we'd love to hear from you. There may also be the opportunity for a physical meeting, but only if relevant and where it is something you want to do.

What you will be doing:

Call a client(s) assigned to you through the Befriender Coordinator

Call your assigned client(s) once a week at a mutually agreed time

Maintain light-hearted chat during your calls

Liaise with the Befriender Coordinator

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

The client remains on the service for up to 6 months.

The skills you need:

Have good telephone and communication skills

Be a people person

Have at least very basic IT skills

Be trustworthy and reliable

Have a desire to help elderly people in the local community.

What's in it for you:

An induction and ongoing training with support sessions if required

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

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 (please note our insurance covers volunteers from the age of 18 -85 years of age

The opportunity to enhance your skills.

Disclaimer: Age UK East Sussex reserves the right to review this role description from time to time to best suit the changing nature of the role in line with service needs. Any changes to this document will be made by mutual agreement

We place great value on our volunteers - who bring so much to the organisation. Their time, energy and commitment are recognised and greatly appreciated.

Please note We are unable to offer this role to anyone under the age of 18 due to safeguarding concerns.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: £0.01 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Work Location: Remote