Volunteer Befriender

Voluntary Sector Gateway; Bathgate; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Voluntary Sector Gateway is looking for a Volunteer Befriender in Bathgate. This role involves supporting residents who feel isolated by spending quality one-on-one time and encouraging social contact. Volunteers need good communication skills and a desire to work with older people. The position aims to create positive relationships and reduce loneliness in the community.

Qualifications

• Interest in working with older people.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Reliability and willingness to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support residents who feel isolated by spending time on a one-to-one basis.
• Help maintain social contact and reduce loneliness.
• Encourage outings and support individuals in existing interests or trying new activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Listening skills

Reliability

Teamwork

Job description

Looking for a volunteering opportunity? See the latest Scotland-wide volunteering opportunities at Volunteer Scotland. We regularly update our website with opportunities within West Lothian.

Use keywords and your postcode (e.g., EH48 1AX) to refine your search and find the right opportunity for you.

We are seeking a Volunteer Befriender to support residents living in Bathgate.

The Role:

The Volunteer Befriender supports residents who feel isolated or have difficulty going out alone by spending time on a one-to-one basis. The aim is to help maintain social contact, provide companionship, and reduce loneliness and social isolation. Befrienders build positive relationships with individuals and visit them regularly in their flats. Visits may last an hour or two weekly or fortnightly. The role also encourages outings for coffee or short walks. Befrienders are there to chat, have fun, and support the individual in continuing existing interests or trying new activities.

Experience required

No formal qualifications are necessary. We seek volunteers interested in working with older people, with good communication and listening skills, reliability, and willingness to work as part of a team.