Befrienders

Key Information

Description

Volunteer Role: Befriender

Purpose of the Role:

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

 

Location 

• The location will depend on your match. Most of our services are based in North and East London.

Time Commitment

• We accept applications for new befrienders on an ongoing basis
• We encourage you to commit to a minimum of four months as a befriender to optimise the experience for your match
• Your meeting times will be determined by your availability and the availability of your match

 

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 (if working in a service)

 

Application Process

• Please complete our online application form by clicking HERE.
• 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.