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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

As a Befriender, you could make a huge difference to the life of a lonely older person if you have just an hour or so to spare each week.

 

Could this be you? We are looking for caring, reliable people to visit isolated older people living in the Holborn area; providing company, friendship and a link to the wider community.

Holborn Community Association is a charity based in Holborn and running three community centres. The services and activities run in this busy, multi-cultural, inner city area cater for all ages and include a broad range of activities for older people. 

With a mission to respond to local needs, The Befriending Scheme is an important part of the work undertaken by Holborn Community Association, whose aim is for everyone to be able to participate fully in their local community. 

You could make a huge difference to the life of a lonely older person if you have just an hour or so to spare each week. 

The HCA Befriending Scheme aims to reduce loneliness and isolation and increase the quality of life of older people living in the Holborn, Bloomsbury and Covent Garden areas. The scheme supports mainly house-bound older people, matching them with trained volunteers who visit them at home on a regular basis.

Duties

Visiting lonely and isolated older people, offering friendship and social interaction and supporting the person's independence.

Who will the volunteers be working with?
Older people living in the Holborn, Bloomsbury and Covent Garden areas. Other volunteers, the Befriending Scheme Organiser.
Training
Training will be given either in person or via zoom, but the following skills and qualities are essential for the role:
• A caring nature
• Reliable
• Good communication and listening skills
• Able to treat people with dignity and respect at all times
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Able to maintain boundaries
• Non-judgmental
• Able to work within Holborn Community Association’s policies and procedures, in particular its Health & Safety and Equality and Diversity policies

Time commitment

We desire regular contact be once a week or fortnight as to develop friendship in a meaningful way

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.