Volunteer Befriender in the Community
OFFERED BY:
Improving LivesLocation(s): Aspley, Basford, Berridge, Bestwood, Bilborough, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest, Castle, Clifton East, Clifton West, Dales, Hyson Green and Arboretum, Leen Valley, Lenton and Wollaton East, Mapperley, Meadows, Radford, Sherwood, St Ann's, Wollaton West
Address where volunteering takes place: International Community Centre 61B Mansfield Road Nottingham NG1 3FNHow many places are on offer?
Purpose of Role:
We are seeking caring, empathetic people with weekday availability to join our existing team of 30+ volunteers to connect with people we support who face multiple disadvantage and mental health issues through our befriending service. All befrienders receive full training and ongoing support from their coordinator.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
The main aim of the Befriending service is to provide regular contact through a call or face to face meetings within Monday - Friday usual office hours.
Befrienders usually call or meet the same person each time, to provide a listening ear, links to other services and to monitor general well-being.
Travel and refreshment expenses reimbursed.
The gift of time and conversation can make a huge difference to a persons life, our befriending service is an extension of the support we offer and wouldn't be possible without the kindness and dedication our volunteers bring!
We are seeking people from all walks of life who are available to befriend people we support within the community whether it be through regular phone contact, meeting at their home or within the community.
Duties:
• To provide 1-2 hours per week of befriending contact
• To report any concerns or problems to the service coordinator immediately
• To read and understand the information provided as part of the induction training
• To understand and work to the Improving Lives Befriending Service guidelines, boundaries, and expectations
• To adhere to Improving Lives' confidentiality policy
• To record and claim out-of-pocket travel expenses monthly
• To take care of own Health & Safety and that of others affected by your volunteering activities
Befrienders usually call or meet the same person each time, to provide a listening ear, links to other services and to monitor general well-being.
Travel and refreshment expenses reimbursed.
The gift of time and conversation can make a huge difference to a persons life, our befriending service is an extension of the support we offer and wouldn't be possible without the kindness and dedication our volunteers bring!
We are seeking people from all walks of life who are available to befriend people we support within the community whether it be through regular phone contact, meeting at their home or within the community.
Duties:
• To provide 1-2 hours per week of befriending contact
• To report any concerns or problems to the service coordinator immediately
• To read and understand the information provided as part of the induction training
• To understand and work to the Improving Lives Befriending Service guidelines, boundaries, and expectations
• To adhere to Improving Lives' confidentiality policy
• To record and claim out-of-pocket travel expenses monthly
• To take care of own Health & Safety and that of others affected by your volunteering activities
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Good communication and Listening skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Understanding of the needs of vulnerable people in the community
• Patience and sensitivity
• Reliability
• Flexibility
• Willingness to undertake induction training and work within the organisation's guidelines and policies
• You will need to complete a DBS check prior to the support starting. This is paid for by the charity.
Ideally, we are looking for a year’s commitment to Improving Lives; we will discuss these commitments with you to ensure this is time you would be able to give.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Understanding of the needs of vulnerable people in the community
• Patience and sensitivity
• Reliability
• Flexibility
• Willingness to undertake induction training and work within the organisation's guidelines and policies
• You will need to complete a DBS check prior to the support starting. This is paid for by the charity.
Ideally, we are looking for a year’s commitment to Improving Lives; we will discuss these commitments with you to ensure this is time you would be able to give.
WHEN REQUIRED:
This grid shows when you can volunteer for this opportunity.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Are there age restrictions for this opportunity? Yes
Age Restrictions:
Due to the nature of the role we require Applicants 18+
Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity? No
Gender restrictions:
Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people? Yes
Disability restrictions:
How long before volunteer can expect a response?
We will try to respond to volunteer enquiries within one week.
How long to complete training and recruitment?
This will be taken at you pace, but should take between one and two months.
Volunteer Expenses offered? Yes
Induction and Training offered? Yes
Support and Supervision offered? Yes
Has a risk assessment been carried out? Yes
DBS Disclosure required? Yes