Telephone Befriender

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OFFERED BY:
MHA (Methodist Homes)
Location(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, Outside of Nottingham City
Address where volunteering takes place:
How many places are on offer?
Purpose of Role:
Are you a chatty, kind and caring person? Are you passionate about supporting people? Then we need you!
We are looking for Telephone Befrienders. The role will only take one hour of your time per week. You will be matched with an older person and you will give them a call once a week to keep them company.
The role is remote so you can do it from the comfort of your own home. It also offers great flexibility. We will match you with someone that matches your availability.
Apply today to find out more or to get started.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
As a Volunteer Telephone Befriender, you’ll help improve the quality of life for older people who are socially isolated and may feel lonely. You’ll call once a week to have a chat for about half an hour to help the person feel less isolated. You’ll also encourage them to access services and facilities within their community.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• You’ll spend time talking on the phone.
• You’ll establish and build a friendly and open relationship whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• You’ll ensure that the member’s needs are put first within all communication, whilst respecting the members’ privacy and independence.
• You’ll maintain confidentiality, except in reporting back to the person that supports you, or in circumstances that will be discussed in your training.
• You’ll undertake all training, or support meetings, as agreed with the person who supports you.
• You’ll complete basic reporting and administrative tasks associated with the role. (e.g. Record of Calls).
• To be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role.

Benefits for you:

• Help improve the quality of life for older people
• Help reduce loneliness and isolation
• Support your community
• Keep socially active

Skills and qualities needed:

• Good communication and people skills
• Enthusiasm
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• Reliable and punctual
• Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A willingness to engage with training and development

Training, support, and requirements:

• You need to be aged 18 or over
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
• Ongoing support from a named contact

Times and Commitment:
• 30 minute call per week in the comfort of your own home. Days and times can be flexible.
• We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Communication and listening skills are essential. Volunteer will benefit from training, personal and professional development opportunities.
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?
12 to 24 hours
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
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