Home About us For volunteers For organisations For groups Find opportunities Contact us

Find opportunities

Distance Befriender Volunteer

  • Lightburn Elderly Association Project - Hands on Project
  • VO83497
  • Home-based volunteering

Description

To befriend someone within your community who may be feeling lonely and isolated during these challenging times. This may be via a telephone / letter writing or other means of communication such as Skype/Whatsapp, video call, etc. The service is part of the Hands on Project and is being delivered due to home visits being postponed due to current circumstances

Distance Telephone calls
Volunteers will be matched with clients to provide a regular, weekly 15-30 minutes of friendly chat to a person over the age of 50 who is feeling lonely due to the current situation. This may expand when both parties get to know each other a bit better.

People Hard of Hearing
If a person is hard of hearing and struggling to hear conversations on the phone, we can offer a befriending writing service if both volunteer and client are happy with this situation.

Social Media befriending
If a client and volunteer have experience and are comfortable using video social media such as WhatsApp, we will endeavour to carry out a match in this way.

Volunteer will be asked to complete a recruitment process of application form, providing 2 references, completing a satisfactory Disclosure Scotland PVG application, a 40 minutes online training course and answering set questions and communicating with LEAP staff on a regular basis.
Code: CRV

Organisation aims and objectives

The Hands on Project provides Befriending and in-house practical assistance for the elderly, disabled and those who are housebound. Volunteers from the local community are recruited and trained to carry out the tasks requested and are supported by a Volunteer Development Officer.

Availability

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Short Term Only during the pandemic period, however may be extended or opportunity to become a home visit volunteer, as and when restrictions change.. We are asking for a minimum of 20 minutes every week, however this is just a guide and can be longer.

Frequency and commitment details

We are asking for a minimum of 20 minutes every week, however this is just a guide and can be longer.

Restrictions

Making telephone calls from volunteer’s home address
Experience required: Be able to build good relationship with the clients · help the client feel relaxed and build confidence · acknowledge positive skills and qualities that the client may have · encourage clients to get more involved with community as appropriate · maintain good communication with LEAP staff · attend training and review meetings when required · complete relevant paperwork and provide feedback on befriending telephone calls
Travel details: Based in your own home
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Some telephone user costs maybe be payable but this will be discussed during initial chat between the volunteer and Leap staff.
Taster available: Yes
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer

Last updated 9 days ago

Similar opportunities

Safer Ageing Volunteer
  • Hourgass Scotand
Hourglass are enhancing our community-led services, and we’re therefore looking for volunteers to deliver frontline support to older people. Our volunteers provide a range of support to help those who have experienced abuse or exploitation, as well as any older person who may be at risk. You’ll provide immediate advice and support to older people and those concerned about them, as well proactively helping keep older people safe from harm. During the lockdown, our volunteers are continuing to provide support to older people remotely, but we will resume in-person support when possible. Volunteering roles We are developing a range of services and activities to promote safer ageing and stop abuse; incorporating prevention, recovery and resilience, interest-based groups, social events, one-to-one support, and more. Volunteering roles include: · Providing one-to-one support to an older person in their own home, a community setting or over the phone · Hosting or assisting with coffee mornings or social events · Facilitating or assisting interest groups (e.g. crafts, photography, story-telling, local history, etc) Groups will be flexible according to your own interests/skills · Raising awareness of the work of Hourglass & issues relating to safer ageing and the abuse of older people · Hosting information stands or pop-up clinics at community venues and events Information and application form available to download at http://bitly.ws/9AIn.
Find out more
We are introducing a one-to-one, person centred support network called Community Bridge with the main aim of providing additional support to individuals who are not quite ready to attend groups. As part of the Community Bridge team your duties will include: · Make contact with individuals and support them via telephone and/or video calls. (When normal services resume this will also include meeting with individuals in a public setting) · Maintain weekly contact with people you are supporting. · Support individuals in gaining confidence and setting a goal of attending a group or activity of their choosing. · Attend local Curnie Club in your area (If COVID restrictions allow). This is a fantastic opportunity for to meet other people and practice the following skills: · Written communication · Decision making · Team working · Time management
Find out more
Shopping Friend
  • Food Train Connects
Food Train Connects provides a one to one grocery shopping services for older people who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability. Our Connects Shopping Friends service is a fantastic way to make an impact on the lives of older people in your community. Our aim is to support older people to eat well, age well and live well. Becoming a Food Train Connects Shopping Friend is rewarding and it makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It’s amazing the impact that regular support with grocery shopping can have on someone who is isolated or lonely. If you want to make sure that an older person is able to live well in their own home this is a great opportunity to do so. The Role: • Contact the older person you are matched with on a regular basis, usually weekly, to obtain their shopping list, carry out their shopping and then deliver to their home, putting away if necessary. • Submit brief records, receipts for payment and to report any matters of concern to staff • Keep within the boundaries of the role • To inform Food Train Connects Staff of any accidents, incidents or complaints • To maintain confidentiality • To represent Food Train in a professional manner to our members and the wider community
Find out more
Library Volunteer
  • Alford Covid Volunteer Network
The Alford Community Foodstore currently based in Montgarrie near Alford are needing a volunteer to help organise the Lending Library on Tuesday mornings 10.45 -11.45
Find out more