Parkinson's telephone befriender

Become a call companion for the Re-engage call companion service in partnership with Parkinson's UK As a volunteer for the Re-engage call companion service in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, you’ll make regular telephone calls to a lonely or isolated older person who is living with or caring for someone with Parkinson’s.

These friendly chats provide a lifeline of friendship for older people and a vital link with the outside world from which they’ve become isolated.

To become a call companion you’ll need to: Attend a 30-minute online volunteer group induction Submit an ID check Provide a reference Complete online volunteer training modules Tasks include: Calling the older person you’ve been matched with for approximately 30 minutes either weekly or fortnightly at an agreed time. Following the guidance in the online volunteer training so that your call companion calls are enjoyable, appropriate and in line with our charitable aims. Keeping in regular contact with Re-engage and reporting any concerns to the team. Keeping your knowledge and training up to date by reading our monthly volunteer newsletter – Re-engage Matters.

Skills

We’re looking for call companions who have:

A friendly nature Good listening skills Good conversation skills Patience and understanding A passion for improving the lives of lonely and isolated older people Basic computer skills (our inductions, checks and training are all online and our charity is paperless)