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Holborn Community Association
Holborn Community Association (HCA) is a community anchor organisation based in central London which aims to encourage community integration, increase opportunities for local people and reduce social and economic inequalities in our community. At our three centres we provide activities and services to the residents of Holborn and the surrounding areas. Older Peoples services are based at Millman…
Description

Looking for an exciting new volunteering opportunity?

Want to make a positive change to the lives of others? 

Look no further!

 

Holborn Community Association is introducing a Doorstep Help Befriending Scheme, and we need you! 

 

We are looking for empathetic, enthusiastic and reliable befriending volunteers to get involved and help make a real difference. This will also give you the opportunity to develop new skills, empower others, while strengthening your sense of community.

 

The aim of the project is to help reduce loneliness and isolation, while empowering older adults living in the Holborn area. This will be done through meaningful and engaging befriending matches between you and older members of the community, with the additional element of support with light practical tasks sharing resources.

 

Please don't hesitate to get in touch by emailing us on [email protected] or calling on 07484036879 or 02074052370 (option 2). 

 

Duties
  • A combination of in person and telephone befriending
  • Support with light and practical tasks
  • Signposting (connecting befriendees to) clients to internal services
  • Signposting (connecting befriendees to) clients to external services

 

Light practical tasks can include (though not exclusively) the following: 

  • Help with reading mail
  • Quick light shop 
  • Picking up prescription from nearby pharmacy
  • Signposting with materials provided by coordinator 
  • Supporting with making contact with local services 
  • Connect with local community  
  • Digital support 
  • Paying bills over the phone/online
  • Online shop 
  • Helping with booking an appointment over the phone
  • Reading/writing non-legal correspondence 

 

Doorstep Help Befriending volunteers are not expected to do the following:

 

  • Perform personal care tasks
  • Offer advocacy and legal advice 
  • Support with confidential legal matters
  • Offer any medical or mental health advice 
  • Resolve personal matters or those concerning care and family issues
  • Contact the client more often than agreed 
  • Share personal details of their own 
  • Store personal details for their befriendee

 

Supervision will be provided as flexibly as possible to

fit in with volunteers’ lives and needs.

 

 

 

Who will the volunteers be working with?
Members of the local community, over the age of 55.
Training
-Induction/ training will be provided to go through:
-Our organisational structure, principles aims and Activities
-Delivering a professional service – working within policies and procedures
-Techniques and skills within the volunteering role
-Confidentiality
-Health & Safety – Lone Working
-Boundaries
-Equal Opportunities & Diversity (policy)


Time commitment

We ask that volunteers commit a minimum of one hour per week for 6 months.
This could consist of a combination of in person and telephone befriending.
Volunteers would be beyond welcome to continue volunteering beyond this time frame, should they feel able to do so.
Application deadline

This organisation is one of our community partner organisations.

Like all volunteer recruiters we work with, they have signed up to our service standards, agreeing to abide by our policy on partnership working to keep you safe and supported whilst you volunteer.

You’ll never be out of pocket for volunteering through us – with in-London travel expenses to and from your volunteering guaranteed.

In addition, the team here at Students’ Union UCL Volunteering Service is here to support you throughout your volunteering journey – you can get in touch with us at any time.