Calls and Visits Befrienders

For Calls & Visits (Part of the Good Neighbours Network)

Register your interest

For folk who are home alone or with little company, knowing a regular friendly chat is scheduled once a week can make a huge difference to their mental wellbeing.

Could you join our friendly team of volunteers who help to reduce the isolation felt by many residents in the Fleet and Church Crookham area? A chat may seem such a small thing, but it can be incredibly powerful.

If you like having a conversation and you have a caring disposition, with patience and some common sense, please think about spending some of your time talking to homebound people. It’s a rewarding experience for both volunteer and client.

What’s involved

  • Offer phone calls and/or visits to homebound people who have been risk-assessed by Calls and Visits.
  • Undertake a one-hour induction programme.
  • Deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive material including written, images, spoken word.
  • Be sensitive to the needs of those you are befriending and report any concerns to the Volunteer Co-ordinator promptly. 

What skills do I need?

  • Good listening skills
  • Good communications skills
  • Patience and tact and confidentiality
  • Caring and reliable
  • Non-judgemental and unprejudiced
  • Willingness to work independently
  • 18+

Please note this role is not ideal for volunteers currently dealing with depression or anxiety themselves.

Interests

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

Activities

  • General Helping
  • Supporting People and Befriending

Details

  • Accessibility
    The role can be undertaken from home if the volunteer has limited mobility. If visiting a client's home we cannot guarantee accessiblity.
  • Age restrictions
    18+
  • DBS check needed
    Enhanced DBS undertaken by Calls & Visits.
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Expenses reimbursed
    Travel at 45p per mile and other 'out of pocket' expenses if accompanied by a receipt.
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Ongoing support
    Yes coupled with regular supervision sessions.
  • Recruitment Process
    Informal discussion, application form and 2 x references.
  • Suitable for under 16s
  • Suitable for under 18s
  • Training provided
    Initial training including boundary and safeguarding, subsequent training as required.
  • Volunteer induction
    Coupled with volunteer handbook.
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
    You will be covered by the Good Neighbours Network employers and public liability insurance (includes volunteers).
  • Written role description

When can I volunteer?

Slot Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Evening Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Availability Details

The role is flexible and can be accommodated around 'day to day' activities. Once 'matched' with a resident - the call or visit can be at different times each week to suit both parties. Minimum commitment is 1 hour per week (plus travel time if you are visiting in person)

Location

Service operates across Church Crookham & Fleet
Fleet
Hampshire
GU51 4AE

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