Befriender - Southwell Area
OFFERED BY:
MHA (Methodist Homes)Location(s): Outside of Nottingham City
Address where volunteering takes place: How many places are on offer?
Purpose of Role:
Befriend an older person(s) on a one to one basis to undertake activities as agreed by the older person
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
1 Overview of the role
Our Volunteer befrienders help improve the quality of life for older people who are socially isolated and may feel lonely. Our befrienders are introduced to a member with the purpose of them spending an hour or two each visit to bring friendship, company, and a chance to chat.
As part of the visit there may be a practical purpose, such as reading a newspaper to a visually impaired person, or accompanying the service user shopping or include a recreational activity. The aim of our befriending services are to support and encourage the member to access services and facilities within the community they live in.
2 Responsibilities
• Establish and build a friendly and open befriending relationship with the member whilst establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Spend time/share activities with the member as agreed at the start of the befriending relationship
• Ensure that the older persons needs are put first within all tasks and communication, whilst respecting the members’ privacy and independence
• You will maintain confidentiality, except in reporting back to the person that supports you, or in circumstances that will be discussed in your training
• Notify the person that supports you of any issues, difficulties or concerns relating to the visits, or the well-being of the member
• Undertake all training, or support meetings, as agreed with the person who supports you
• Complete basic reporting and administrative tasks associated with the role. (e.g. Expenses Claim Forms, Record of Visits)
• Inform your named contact at the earliest opportunity of any change in circumstances which affect your ability to continue with volunteering, such as holidays or periods of time you cannot volunteer
• To be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role
• Assist the Manager in assessing the potential risks, and to notify them of any concerns you may have for both the Health & Safety of the member and yourself arising from the agreed activities of the visit, ensuring you’re adhering to MHA’s Health and Safety and Lone Visiting Policies
Our Volunteer befrienders help improve the quality of life for older people who are socially isolated and may feel lonely. Our befrienders are introduced to a member with the purpose of them spending an hour or two each visit to bring friendship, company, and a chance to chat.
As part of the visit there may be a practical purpose, such as reading a newspaper to a visually impaired person, or accompanying the service user shopping or include a recreational activity. The aim of our befriending services are to support and encourage the member to access services and facilities within the community they live in.
2 Responsibilities
• Establish and build a friendly and open befriending relationship with the member whilst establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Spend time/share activities with the member as agreed at the start of the befriending relationship
• Ensure that the older persons needs are put first within all tasks and communication, whilst respecting the members’ privacy and independence
• You will maintain confidentiality, except in reporting back to the person that supports you, or in circumstances that will be discussed in your training
• Notify the person that supports you of any issues, difficulties or concerns relating to the visits, or the well-being of the member
• Undertake all training, or support meetings, as agreed with the person who supports you
• Complete basic reporting and administrative tasks associated with the role. (e.g. Expenses Claim Forms, Record of Visits)
• Inform your named contact at the earliest opportunity of any change in circumstances which affect your ability to continue with volunteering, such as holidays or periods of time you cannot volunteer
• To be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role
• Assist the Manager in assessing the potential risks, and to notify them of any concerns you may have for both the Health & Safety of the member and yourself arising from the agreed activities of the visit, ensuring you’re adhering to MHA’s Health and Safety and Lone Visiting Policies
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Due to the nature of this role, volunteers need to be over 18
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:
Volunteers need to be over 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?
How long to complete training and recruitment?
Because this role requires a DBS is very difficult to say how long the recruitment process will take. Anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks
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