1:1 Buddy

Bradford District Buddies is a new scheme where you can be paired with a like-minded older person with similar interests and hobbies.

It is about developing friendships, networks of support and new social circles and informal support networks so older people can either rebuild the connections that are important to them – or develop new ones.

This is your chance to support an older person across the Bradford, Keighley & Shipley areas to do just that.

You could be doing anything, the key element is that it is something that both of you are interested in and enjoy, or if with a group that they want to do. It’s a chance for you to get to know new people as well or even meet new people yourself and try something new yourself.

Swimming, trips to the cinema, theatre or football, a gym buddy or a regular meal or coffee out – its about supporting older people to do whatever they identify as being important and of interest to them

Have you got something to offer or just want to get involved then Bradford Buddies wants to hear from you.

Skills

Reliable

Ability to maintain and respect confidentiality

Main Tasks

Building a caring and sensitive relationship with the people we work with

Spending time with people we work with and engaging in activities that are mutually agreed upon

Being understanding rather than judgmental about a person’s situation or circumstances

Establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries

Respecting difference cultural values in a non-discriminatory manner

Ability to share skills, interests or activities

Understanding, patient and empathetic

Non-judgmental

Effective communication skills

Outgoing, personable and a good conversationalist

Ability to listen and ask appropriate questions

Willingness to follow Age UK Bradford District values, policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Data Protection & Confidentiality, Equal Opportunities.

Polite and courteous at all times

Desire to support older people in the community

A basic understanding of older people and an appreciation of issues facing older people