Community Support Befrienders – South Ribble

Community Support Befrienders – South Ribble

This opportunity covers Leyland, Penwortham, Longton, Bamber Bridge and surrounding areas.

Why do we need Community Support Befrienders?

There are people in our local communities who require a supportive companion to help them. The benefits of their having regular meetings with a Community Support Befriender helps to increase their confidence, resilience and independence to help tackle their social isolation and achieve specified and agreed goals and objectives.

What would you need to do?

Companionship not practical assistance is required for this opportunity. Use your local knowledge of community services and groups and spend time listening to and supporting someone to engage with them.

What’s in it for you?

By becoming a Befriender you are accepting the opportunity that could mark the turning point in someone’s life. This rewarding role offers an excellent opportunity for personal development by obtaining new skills and experiences as well as a chance to put something back into the community.

Criteria

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Must have lived in the UK for 3+ years
• Commitment of 1-2 hours minimum per week / Flexible
• Minimum commitment of 6 months is required

Tasks:

• To regularly visit the individual on a 1 : 1 basis either in their own home or a community setting.
• To regularly support the individual to achieve agreed positive goals to promote their independence – The role is unique to every individual’s needs and circumstances.
• To provide regular feedback on progress.
• Volunteers must log their volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses where applicable via an on-line computer system.
• To complete minimum level training e.g. Safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to role.

Required Qualities:

• Understanding of vulnerability
• It would be an advantage to have an awareness of key issues – alcohol, drug abuse, mental health etc.
• Ability to use basic ICT systems
• Be able to deal with difficult situations in a professional manner
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use own initiative
• Respect for equality and diversity