Volunteer Telephone Befriender

Our Telephone Befriending Service is looking for people who would like to join us in helping to provide support to as many people as possible during challenging times. Telephone Befriending has the potential to be an important aspect of the overall approach to helping the most isolated and lonely individuals in our society. Telephone Befriending can also benefit the volunteer befrienders who are similarly able to reengage with their community and may derive health benefits from regular volunteering. Our aim is to alleviate feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation that may be experienced by many people across our communities, by contact from a volunteer befriender. If you’re a friendly person who likes talking to people, then this is the role for you. This service aims to capture volunteers who have their own telephone. Ideally, you will have unlimited minutes on your personal mobile so the calls should not cost you anything.

Skills

What does a Volunteer Telephone Befriender do?

To Telephone Befriendees at their home for approximately 10 to 30 minutes, you will arrange the specific times of your future calls directly with them. These calls are intended to occur once a week, but individual needs will be matched with your availability. To provide a telephone conversation, a listening ear and chat about interests and hobbies, helping to alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation. To provide companionship and human interaction at a time when this may be limited. To provide an update after each call to the support Team. This is so we can keep a track of the amount of befriending calls each volunteer is undertaking, the type of support being offered during these calls and if there is anything further required. It is important to note telephone befriending is not counselling or therapy and other services must be sought if this is required.

Benefits • Free DBS. • Discounted food. • Store discount. • Volunteer from home. • Above all you will be making a positive difference in your befriendee’s life. • As a volunteer telephone befriender, you will learn how to support others, make friends, become more confident, and practice communication skills. • You will gain new and transferable skills. We offer support for you to increase your own job-readiness and personal development. • Training opportunities, • Volunteering experience • Detailed references will be provided.