Befriending - Gift of Friendship

For Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove

We are looking for volunteers to make a regular weekly visit or phone call to the customer, offering companionship and conversation, helping them develop new relationships and explore possibilities to participate in social activities where possible, helping to create lasting friendships and connections for older people.

It may involve:

supporting a Befriendee with accessing a community activity or event
taking part in recreational activities such as board games, puzzles or crafts, or simply sharing memories
working on your own initiative with support and training from our organization

Main tasks:

Commit to making a regular check in to the customer, for around an hour a week.
Arrange visits/calls with the customer at times that are mutually convenient, but within the hours that support is available from us.
Be aware of the boundaries and limitations of the Befriending role and not become involved in other tasks such as cleaning or shopping.
Report any concerns about the well-being of the Befriendee.
Complete a record of visits/calls and return these to the Befriending Coordinator.
Commit to the role for a minimum of 6 months.

Skills

We are looking for people who are:

Understanding of the needs of older people
Excellent listening skills
Understanding of the need to observe confidentiality in informal settings and maintaining professional boundaries
Kind, empathic and patient
Fun and have a friendly character
Keen on meeting people and supporting them to change how we age.

About Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove enable older people to Love Later Life. Our aims are to promote the wellbeing of all older people; to make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience and to enable people to flourish.