Volunteer Telephone Befriender

We are seeking Volunteers to become telephone befrienders for members experiencing loneliness and isolation. Volunteer Telephone Befrienders help improve the quality of life older people who are socially isolated and may feel lonely. Our befrienders are introduced to a member with the purpose of them ringing up once a week to have a chat for about half an hour to help the person feel less isolated.

Once you have received your induction and training you will be matched with a member who has requested a telephone befriender. Our befrienders will establish and build a friendly and open befriending relationship with their member whilst establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

What skills do I need?

• Good listening skills
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• Ability to keep records of calls made
• Reliable and punctual
• Flexible
• Clear sense of personal boundaries
• Ability to provide a supportive and non-judgmental service
• You’ll be able to maintain confidentiality
• 
  

When do I need to be available?

Details

Roles are available 7 days a week between the hours of 10am – 8pm from as little as 30 minutes each week but must be compatible with members needs.