Description
We're looking for volunteer befrienders to join our Positive Ageing programme. With an ageing population, more and more older people are at risk of isolation and loneliness as partners and friends pass away, family members move away and the community around them changes at a fast pace.
We match volunteers and befriendees to share time, laughter, and joy through regular meet-ups, usually once a week. Each friendship on the programme is unique and different – some pairs head out to explore local community spots, others enjoy staying in for a cup of tea and a chat. We also offer telephone befriending for those who’d prefer a phone conversation.
Duties
- Visit or call an older person once a week or every fortnight for up to an hour
- Spend time getting to know them and understand what things they may like to do at home (e.g. chess, knitting, reading)
- Offer fun conversation and encourage them to talk
- Support them to get out in the community
- Accompany them on visits out of the home e.g. going for a walk, shopping
- Support them to find information
- Send simple monthly reports about how it's going
Who will the volunteers be working with?
We match befrienders with isolated and vulnerable older people living in North Southwark. Most of our befriendees have been referred to us by other services or organisations as they would benefit from reconnecting with their local community.
Our Befriending Officers will be your main point of contact for training and ongoing support.
Our Befriending Officers will be your main point of contact for training and ongoing support.
Training
All volunteers attend an induction, where they learn about the Positive Ageing service, their role and health and safety knowledge.
Time commitment
We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months with weekly or fortnightly visits or calls. It is up to each individual pair to decide when these take place i.e. mornings, evenings, weekends.