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Form of workThe Royal Voluntary Service supports people and communities in every part of Great Britain. We inspire and enable people to give the gift of voluntary service to meet the needs of the day. Through the power of volunteering, we provide one-to-one, group in-person and online services that improve health and wellbeing, resilience, confidence and connections for individuals and communities.
Good Neighbours Volunteer Befriender – Support at Home Service in East Neuk, Fife
Do you have some time to spare? Are you interested in befriending an older person? Are you looking to make a real difference in your local community?
If you like chatting, meeting people and getting out and about this could be the role for you! You will be volunteering with the Royal Voluntary Service which is a National Charity established in 1938, (many still know us by our original name: the Women’s Voluntary Service). We are one of the biggest volunteering charities in Great Britain and we are celebrating our 86th year of operation in 2024.
As a Good Neighbour Volunteer you will visit an older person at home and/or you can take them out of their house for a while, to give them a change of scenery and help them stay connected to their community. We have a large number of Older People in Fife experiencing loneliness who would love the companionship of another person who can visit them on a regular basis. You will improve confidence and reduce isolation, making a real difference to the person you support.
This volunteer role is based in the East Neuk of Fife, and a more specific description of the befriending role is below:
· You will visit an older person in their own home and spend time chatting, listening and discussing favourite topics, or playing a board game, doing a puzzle, cooking/baking, crafts, the options are endless. We will always aim to match you with someone you share interests with.
· You have the option to go out on walks or individual outings with your befriending match, for example shopping, to a garden centre, cafe, or other local places of interest. Some of our members would just like a visit at home, but some are more able and adventurous and would love to get out and about!
· You must be reliable and presentable - visits will be arranged in advance and may be at a regular time/day every week or fortnight, or can be more flexible.
· There is a minimum commitment of 1 hour per week or 2 hours per fortnight and to be arranged at a mutually convenient time for you and your befriending match
· You must update staff after visits and be involved in monitoring/reviewing as required
· You must inform staff of any concerns, accidents, incidents or complaints
· You will be invited to volunteer meetings, training and social events throughout the year
There are no formal education requirements for this role, however, you must be a good communicator with a good sense of humour. An awareness and understanding of the needs of Older People and the difficulties they may face living at home whilst ageing would be beneficial, but training will be provided and you will be welcomed and supported by a friendly local team.
Please note that this is a volunteer role, so is not a formally paid job, although volunteer travel expenses can be reimbursed. This role is dependent on a successful Disclosure Scotland PVG check.
Job Type: Volunteer
Location:
- East Neuk (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: RVSGoodNeighbourVolunteer
