Help make a difference to the lives of others

Befriending / Visiting volunteers needed for Age UK Berkshire

We are looking for people who will happily give a few hours of their free time to visit others at home who are lonely and vulnerable.  There are many reasons why people become lonely such as limited or no social contact, bereavement or families living far away.  Having regular contact with other people can help break the cycle of loneliness and make a world of difference to older people.  For this reason we are recruiting and training volunteers to join our dedicated and caring team of befrienders.

Main tasks:

  • To visit client(s) on a regular basis at a time that is mutually convenient
  • To spend quality time together during visits for a friendly chat or sharing activities such as board games and crosswords
  • To feedback to the Befriending Co-ordinator regularly on befriending visits

Will suit someone who is keen to make a difference to the lives of older people,  has a kind, caring and friendly manner, an ability to listen and has empathy with clients.

Organisation
Contact person firstname
Charlotte (Reading)​ or Sue (West Berkshire)​
Contact person's position
Befriending Co-ordinator
Their phone number?
0118 959 4242
Contact instructions?
Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.30pm

Location description
Locations within Reading Borough
Wheelchair accessible?
Not specified
Car parking for the volunteer?
Not specified
Secure bicycle parking?
Not specified
Near public transport?
Not specified
How much time?
A few hours a week
What times and days of the week?
Mon AMMon PMTue AMTue PMWed AMWed PMThu AMThu PMFri AMFri PMSat AMSat PMSun AMSun PM
Availability required
Any of these times
Task type?
Befriending / Visiting
Will suit someone like this:
SociablePatientSupportiveCommunicator
Post suitable for supported volunteering?
No
Is training given?
Yes
Training description
Induction, and on-going 'on the job' training
Is support given?
Yes
Description of support
Regular contact and support from the Befriending Co-ordinator.
Are expenses paid?
Yes
Description of expenses
Travel
Will I need my own transportation?
No
Will the volunteer be CRB or DBS checked?
Yes
Are references required?
Yes
Will there be an interview?
Yes
Are they properly insured?
Yes
Minimum age
21
Do they need a specific gender?
No
How many volunteers needed?
5
Opportunity added on
2 November 2017