Volunteer Telephone Befriender

We have been providing a telephone befriending service to carers for many years, and it is a much valued service. You will be matched with a carer who feels isolated as a result of their caring role. This role will suit people who:

• Enjoy talking to people
• Are good listeners
• Want to improve their listening and communication skills
• Are friendly and warm

The role consists of:

• Ringing the carer once a week
• Giving the carer your undivided attention, being a listening ear
• Offering emotional support and making the carer feel valued
• Giving us some brief feedback about your call
• Getting in touch promptly if you have any worries or concerns about the carer

What we need from you:

• A minimum of 1 to 2 hours a week. This can be morning or afternoon
• A willingness to learn and become part of our team
• As part of our Volunteer Recruitment process, we will ask for references and will complete a DBS check
• You will need a phone and access to email and the internet

What training and support will you receive?

• You will need to do some initial training via e-learning (this will take about 90 minutes in total)
• There are opportunities for ongoing training, usually provided online, in other topics
• You will have a supervisor who will provide ongoing support
• We hold regular virtual volunteer drop-ins as well as celebration events throughout the year
• We will pay any expenses you incur as part of this role, including phone costs where required

About the organisation

We are a charity that supports unpaid carers in Essex. We offer specialist support by providing information, advice, guidance, activities, training and support groups to all adult carers in Essex.

Can students travel to the opportunity via public transport?

Yes

What attributes would your ideal volunteer have?

We are looking for friendly, confident and reliable volunteers to be able to chat to carers and also to listen.

What skills would the volunteer gain?

Communications skills, developing empathy and gaining confidence in speaking.