Care Home Befriender

For Embracing Age

Older people in care homes are potentially some of the most vulnerable people in our society; research shows that they are twice as likely to be lonely as older people living in the community.

The Volunteer Befriender role involves visiting and befriending an older person living in a care home, usually once a week for an hour. This might involve activities such as reading to them, or playing a game, chatting, or going for a walk.

Skills

Be reliable.
Have empathy and patience.
Be friendly and approachable.
Ability to listen and engage in conversation.

About Embracing Age

Embracing Age is a charity working towards a world where older people are valued, connected and full of hope, by combatting loneliness and mobilising volunteers to visit care home residents. equipping churches and speaking out. Embracing Age, which was established in 2014 has been operating in West Sussex since July 2024.

We're seeking volunteers to regularly visit older care home residents. Our trained befrienders make a huge difference to residents’ lives and wellbeing, and care home staff say these visits are particularly helping to bring joy, confidence and a sense of calm to the residents.

We also look forward to developing some of the other initiatives running under Embracing Age elsewhere to bring joy and connection to residents, including hand made cards, knitted gifts, Pictures of Joy, flower gifts and intergenerational links.

Interests

Older People

Activities

Supporting People and Befriending

Details

Yes - DBS check required
Yes - Equality and Diversity Policy
Yes - Expenses reimbursed
Yes - Health and Safety Policy
Yes - Is it fully accessible
Yes - Ongoing support
Ongoing support from the Project Coordinator
Yes - Suitable for physical or sensory impairment
Yes - Suitable for Under 18's
This role is for those over the age of 18, although there may be some opportunities for those aged 16 - 18 with the appropriate support, depending on the home and may require adult accompaniment.
Yes - Training provided
Training and an induction is provided by Embracing Age and the Care Home for the role
Yes - Volunteer induction
Yes - Volunteer Policy
Yes - Volunteers covered by insurance
Yes - Written role description