Befrienders

For Odiham Cottage Hospital

Register your interest

Odiham Cottage Hospital’s Befriending Service is a volunteer led service run and managed by the Hospital and covers the areas of Odiham, Hook, Hartley Wintney and Old Basing and surrounding villages.  Our clients are those who have become lonely and isolated due to living with a long-term health condition, or are receiving palliative care.  All clients are referred to the service through their GP practice, community health team or another medical professional.

The service recruits, trains and supports volunteers who on a weekly basis visit people in their homes, as well as provide befriending via the telephone.  Our service operates weekdays between the hours of 9am-5pm and volunteers commit to a maximum of two hours each week. 

Clients and volunteers are specifically matched according to their interests, with a view to building a lasting and trusting relationship together.  Both our clients and befrienders find they benefit greatly from the relationships that are formed and the service proves to make a real difference in people’s lives within the community. 

Full training and regular supervision is provided.

In line with current legislation all potential volunteers with be required to undergo a screening process, which will include interview and a DBS.


What skills do I need?

  • Non-judgmental, accepting a person for who they are.
  • Good interpersonal skills, in particular listening skills.
  • Ability to work on own/use initiative/common sense.
  • Ideally we are looking for volunteers with life experience and a mature outlook.

Volunteers are required to:

  • Respect and adhere to policies and procedures.
  • Understand and maintain confidentiality & boundaries.
  • Provide written report of each client visit and feedback any issues.
  • Be accountable.


Interests

  • Health and Social Care
  • No specific interest
  • Older People

Activities

  • Advice and Information
  • General Helping
  • Supporting People and Befriending

Details

  • Accessibility
    Volunteers will be required to visit the client in their own home - therefore we cannot guarantee accessibility. Ideally volunteers will also have their own transport due to the lack of public transport between the villages.
  • Age restrictions
    18+
  • Current Driving Licence
    With limited public transport ideally volunteers will have access to a car.
  • DBS check required
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Expenses reimbursed
    Where applicable and with receipts.
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Ongoing support
  • Recruitment Process
    Informal chat.
  • Suitable for under 16s
  • Suitable for under 18s
  • Training provided
  • Volunteer induction
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
  • Written role description

When can I volunteer?

Slot Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Evening No No No No No No No

Location

Odiham
Odiham
Hampshire
RG29 1NB

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