Role Title Volunteer Befriender

Responsible to: The Assistant to the Organiser

Hours of Work: 2 hours per week or fortnight, flexible by arrangement.

Location: The members own home, or a community venue agreed by arrangement

About the opportunity:

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to be matched with elderly and or disabled people within the Ham & Petersham area. The aim of the Befriending Service is to provide social, emotional and practical support, and relief from isolation for members and their family carers. The objective is to offer support on an on-going basis through friendship and practical help. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the life of an older and or disabled person living locally by offering friendship and support.

Benefits to volunteer

So many people don’t have family who live close to them. We connect people who want to help, with people who need help. It’s a win, win. Those who volunteer feel more engaged with the people within their own local communities. And those people who ask us for help are able to get to appointments, see their friends and get out and about.

About Ham & Petersham SOS

Ham & Petersham SOS is a neighbourhood care group that provides regular social activities, transport to and from medical and social appointments, regular outings, a befriending service, list shoppers and a weekly shopping bus service. We have a large team of volunteers who enable our services to run but who also have a wonderful community spirit and they are a valued part of the SOS family, but with the number of members increasing we always have a need for new volunteers.

Who are we looking for

We are looking for people of all ages with a heart for older and or disabled people. You will need to be reliable, friendly and approachable and have empathy, compassion and patience. You will need good listening skills and be able to engage in conversation, be happy to chat and get to know someone and possibly share their interests. You will need to be able to offer 1 to 2 hours a week.

Practical Considerations

DBS Check
Informal discussion
References
Reimbursement for out of pocket expenses