Visiting Befriender - Hertfordshire wide for Age UK Hertfordshire

Welwyn Hatfield Community And Voluntary Services Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Welwyn Hatfield Community And Voluntary Services Limited seeks a Visiting Scheme Befriender to provide companionship to older individuals. Volunteers will commit to visiting once a week to offer social interaction, with no personal care duties involved. This role supports health and wellbeing by reducing isolation among older people, requiring good listening skills and patience. Benefits include free DBS checks and training support.

Benefits

Free DBS check

Ongoing training & support

Opportunities to participate in volunteer events

Qualifications

• Good listening skills.
• Patience when interacting with older individuals.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by older people.

Responsibilities

• Regularly visit an older person in their home.
• Provide friendship and company.
• Flexibly arrange visit times.

Skills

Listening skills

Patience

Understanding of older people's issues

Job description

Before you can register your interest for this opportunity you must be registered as a volunteer.

Before you can register your interest for this opportunity you must be registered as a volunteer.

Register with the Volunteer Centre , or if you have already registered, please log in

Are you chatty and sociable?
Do you live in Hertfordshire?
Would you be willing to visit an older lonely person in your area once a week for just an hour?

Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment

District: Broxbourne, Dacorum, East Herts, Hertsmere, North Herts, St Albans, Stevenage, Three Rivers, Watford, Welwyn/Hatfield

Location: Indoor

Time of day: Weekday Mornings, Weekday Afternoons, Weekday Evenings, Weekend Half Days

Practical Considerations: Drivers preferred but not always essential as you may be able to walk, cycle or use public transport depending on where your client is located.
You will need a DBS criminal record check so you must have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years.

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS), Own vehicle or access to a vehicle, Driving licence

Requirements (additional): Volunteers should be willing to commit for a minimum of 12 months

Suitable for: 18 – 25 year olds, Aged 26 and over, University students, Older People

Suitable for volunteers interested in: Health and Wellbeing, Isolation & Loneliness, Mental Health, Older People, Voluntary & Community Action

Does this opportunity provide wheelchair access?: No

Full Description:
As a Visiting Scheme Befriender, you will regularly visit an older person in their own home, perhaps for a cup of tea and a chat.
You will be matched with an older person, providing friendship and company.
The times you visit are flexible and convenient to you and them.
No personal care or household chores involved.

What does the role involve?
An hour of your time once a week (or more if you can) is all we need for you to pop in to see an older person in their home.
Make a cuppa and have a chat.


What skills do I need to volunteer?
You will need good listening skills, patience and an understanding of the problems faced by older people.
Drivers preferred due to some locations, but not always necessary

Benefits of Volunteering
-Free DBS check
-Ongoing training & support
-Opportunities to attend Volunteer events to meet other
volunteers
-Knowledge that you have made a difference to an older
person's life
-New friendships