Befriender

Key Information

Description

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for a befriender to match with a male with learning disabilities at one of our services in the borough of Islington (N7). They are looking for a befriender who meets some or all of the following criteria:

• An interest in Egyptology and/or history
• Somebody who is either a wheelchair user or who is confident in supporting a wheelchair user
• Available on Tuesdays
• A male is preferred

As a befriender, you will provide support and companionship to older people, people with learning disabilities, and/or autism spectrum disorder. You will play a vital role in reducing social isolation for your match, increasing their confidence, and improving their quality of life.

Responsibilities

To assist our services users to meet their support needs, including:

• Providing companionship and friendship
• Meeting with your befriending match for a period of time and regularity based on mutual agreement
• Providing information and assistance to your match to enable them to make choices about the development of their social network and participation in their local community
• Helping your match rediscover social skill and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Participating in activities such as going for a walk or and share activities of common interest – anything which makes life more enjoyable.

Please note that befrienders should never assist with personal care, administering medication, or finances.

Skills, Attitudes and Experience

• You are friendly and have strong interpersonal skills
• You are passionate about making a difference in the lives of older people, people with learning disabilities, and/or people with autism spectrum disorder
• You are patient, empathetic, and open-minded
• You are organised and can work independently
• You take initiative and manage your workload
• You are reliable and punctual
• You are a strong communicator

Benefits

• Meet different kinds of people and make new friends
• Receive support from the Volunteer Team and an assigned supervisor
• Become part of a community of staff and volunteers who are passionate about making a difference
• Receive references for future opportunities and build your CV
• Receive reimbursement for reasonable out of pocket expenses
• Be invited to volunteer events
• Additional training to help you grow in your role
• Covered by Outward’s insurance policy

Location

• N7

Time Commitment

• We encourage you to commit to a minimum of four months as a befriender to optimise the experience for your match
• Once a week for an hour, preferably on a Tuesday

Required Training

Before commencing your role, you will be required to complete the following training:

• Volunteer Training Session (approximately 2 hours)
• Online Training Courses: Safeguarding, Care and Confidentiality, Fire Safety, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity
• Service Inductions

Application Process

• Please complete our online application form by clicking ‘apply’ below.
• You may be asked to attend an informal group or individual interview and info session
• If you are selected for a volunteer role, you will be required to undergo a DBS check, submit two references, and complete the abovementioned mandatory training before you can start your role.

If there is any way that we can make the application process or the volunteer role more accessible for you, please do not hesitate to let us know. We will be happy to make any accommodations we can for you.