Ongoing
Age UK Croydon
The role in a nutshell:
Make a difference by providing company and conversation to an older person in Croydon.
What will you be doing?
Staff will assess the client and you will be given their profile and a support plan. Core tasks will include:
Weekly companionship contact in person.
Encouraging and accompanying to visits to other social events and activities in the local area - e.g., a walk, GP, an IT class.
Spotting additional needs and identifying services and activities to address these.
Submitting a weekly report on the contact to include contact type, signposting and any concerns.
How would you be supported in this role?
Full remote training and induction provided.
We will complete the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application with you.
Supervision and direct contact with the Befriending Co-ordinator/Manager.
Join and participate in peer support groups and meet other volunteers to share experiences and good practice.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Volunteers Befrienders are offering support and company to people who may need that extra confidence to attend a local activity in Croydon. You could accompany someone to a local lunch group or activity or even just going with them to a park for a nice walk. They build relationships in the process, which enable meaningful conversations and help to identify support needs and other services and activities that will help maintain their clients’ mental health. A key aim of the role is to support people with achieving their goals to live a happier life, accompany them, and build their confidence back to get out into the community and feel more independent.
Additional information:
Commitment Required - Minimum of 6 months from start of the GoF Befriending match, includes: -
30-minute informal interview.
Willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
1-hour core induction.
Mandatory training sessions.
Up to 1-2 hours a week engagement with your befriendee
Weekly accurate records of interactions with your befriendee
Regular check-in calls with Befriending Coordinator
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
Good communication with a friendly approachable manner
Solution focused
Comfortable working alone
Good record keeping
Good listening skills
Reliable and committed to do at least 1 visit a week for the committed period
Applicants must be over the age of 18.
Basic IT skills may be required depending on client’s needs.
To find out more please contact:
Opportunity type
Community Services
Skills
Location
Age UK Croydon 81 Brigstock Road Thornton Heath, CR7 7JH United Kingdom
Team
Volunteering
Division
Age UK Croydon
How often do we need your help?
1-2 hours per week
