Working with and for older people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. We provide a wide range of services and support, to enable independent living at home. ...
Enabling Connections Volunteer Befriender
Practical details
Volunteering • Organisation role
Contact person
Peter Scott
Provided
#127055
Scan me or visit www.volunteercambs.org.uk/o/Age-UK-Cambridgeshire-and-Peterborough/activities/Enabling-Connections-Volunteer-Befriender/127055 to join
Could you spare just 1 hour a week, to help an older person regain their independence, achieve a personal goal, and reconnect with their local community?
Volunteer role: Enabling Connections Befriender
Key contact: Enabling Connections Coordinator / Volunteer Team
Location: In the community and at the matched service user’s home or local community venue, depending on their individual goals
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 to 2 hours per week for up to 6 months
DBS check level: DBS check required
Age: Over 18
Role Purpose
To provide short-term, structured goal orientated befriending support to older people experiencing loneliness, social isolation or reduced confidence. You will help an older person build their confidence, overcome barriers and work towards personal goals that enable them to reconnect with the people, places and activities that matter most to them.
The role is about being both a friendly, encouraging presence and helping the person take manageable steps towards greater confidence, wellbeing and independence.
Skills/Abilities and experience beneficial to the role
No previous experience is necessary, as full training and ongoing support will be provided. This role may particularly suit someone with a genuine desire to make a positive difference to the lives of older people.
What the role looks like
The below list provides examples of what you might do as an Enabling Connections Volunteer Befriender. The support will be person-centred and shaped around the individual goals agreed with the person you are matched with.
- Spend time getting to know the person and understanding what they would like to achieve and break this down into achievable steps.
- Provide encouragement, companionship and a listening ear as they work towards their goal.
- Help build confidence, a sense of empowerment and self-esteem and reduce feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
- Explore interests, hobbies, community activities or groups that they may like to reconnect with or try.
- Accompany them to a local activity, group or community setting initially, where appropriate, helping them to develop the confidence to attend independently.
- Support practical goals, which might include becoming more confident getting out locally or learning to use technology to stay connected with others.
- Recognise and celebrate progress and achievements along the way.
- Encourage the person to become increasingly confident and independent as the befriending period progresses.
Training Required
Full training and ongoing support will be provided before and during your volunteering role.
What you can gain from volunteering
As an Enabling Connections Volunteer Befriender, you will have the opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful and visible difference in an older person’s life.
- Receive training and ongoing support.
- Develop skills in communication, active listening, goal setting and person-centred support.
- Gain practical experience supporting older adults.
- Develop transferable skills valuable for employment, education and further training.
- Or use these skills you may already have to give back and make a genuine difference to someone's life.
Related to
About Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Working with and for older people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. We provide a wide range of services and support, to enable independent living at home. We welcome volunteers to support our work and help with fundraising.
See more activities by Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough