Befriending Service Volunteer

Befriending Service Volunteer

The Befriending Service combines elements of both the Sitting Service and the Out and About Service; and is aimed at providing support to a wider range of individuals within our local community.

It involves spending time with an adult in their home who need some moral support and encouragement, for example they may have been recently discharged from hospital or they may be unable to get out of the house due to other reasons, in both cases may be experiencing some social isolation. Eventually supporting someone to build the confidence to start accessing the wider community, for example accessing local shops and amenities.

Recent years have highlighted that being isolated from others has a negative impact on both our physical and mental health, which in turn can lead a person to become more withdrawn and isolated from the community they live in. Being part of the Befriending Service will give you the opportunity to provide a friendly face to those that need one the most.

We ask you to give 2-3 hours a week for a regular befriending arrangement. Some people volunteer on an ‘as and when’ basis

You must be willing to go through an induction process and relevant background checks.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and is only open to residents of Blackpool to apply.

Out of pocket expenses can be claimed back including travel expenses.

Tasks:

• Demonstrate respect and sensitivity to all individuals and ensure that confidentiality is always maintained.
• To be compassionate, understanding and a good listener.
• Offer companionship and friendship to the people you will be spending time with.
• Enquire how the individual is feeling.
• Enquire if they have had anything to eat or drink.
• Take part in activities together, such as listening to music or playing cards or other games depending on what is available.
• Make drinks or light snacks if within the boundaries of the role, this will be different for befriending and sitting.
• Interacting with people around a variety of subjects that may be of interest to the individual.
• To support someone to access the community.
• To discuss any activities with the Volunteer Officer (VO) which deviate from the tasks listed above.
• To feedback after offering support to VO, update if there are any concerns.
• Attend training relevant to the role.

Required Qualities:

• Volunteers need to be patient, understanding and have a genuine interest in people.
• Volunteers should be approachable and reliable and be able to work as part of a team.
• Good communication and listening skills are also needed.
• Previous experience in a health and social care is very helpful, although it is not essential.