Community Befrienders
OFFERED BY:
Nottingham CVSLocation(s): Aspley, Basford, Berridge, Bestwood, Bilborough, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest, Castle, Clifton East, Clifton West, Dales, Hyson Green and Arboretum, Leen Valley, Lenton and Wollaton East, Mapperley, Meadows, Radford, Sherwood, St Ann's, Wollaton West
Address where volunteering takes place: Around Nottingham Nottingham NG1 3FBHow many places are on offer? Several
Purpose of Role:
Support older and disabled people to pursue their hobbies and interests and to attend events in their local communities. Be a friendly ear, and someone to chat with. This role is variable depending on the needs of the person that you are befriending.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
As a Community Befriender, you would be helping someone with a physical or learning disability to be more involved in their community. This could well be someone with a "hidden" disability, for example someone who is deaf or blind.
Some disabled people find it very difficult to get out of their home and as a result they feel increasingly isolated. You will be helping to rebuiild their confidence by giving a little encouragement and reassurance.
This role is variable depending on the needs of the person that you are befriending but may include such things as:
- Going along and joining in with an existing (or a new) hobby - such as swimming, walking or football
- Meeting them at a bus stop or other location and helping them to get to where they want to go.
- An occasional phone call to check that everything is OK and that they are still doing the things that you have been supporting them with.
This role is not about personal care, so you won't have to take them to the toilet or do any lifting. It's all about having fun together.
You will have the opportunity to gain skills and experience in a supporting role with disabled people, whilst receiving regular support and supervision yourself.
Induction training will be provided and reasonable travel and other expenses reimbursed.
Some disabled people find it very difficult to get out of their home and as a result they feel increasingly isolated. You will be helping to rebuiild their confidence by giving a little encouragement and reassurance.
This role is variable depending on the needs of the person that you are befriending but may include such things as:
- Going along and joining in with an existing (or a new) hobby - such as swimming, walking or football
- Meeting them at a bus stop or other location and helping them to get to where they want to go.
- An occasional phone call to check that everything is OK and that they are still doing the things that you have been supporting them with.
This role is not about personal care, so you won't have to take them to the toilet or do any lifting. It's all about having fun together.
You will have the opportunity to gain skills and experience in a supporting role with disabled people, whilst receiving regular support and supervision yourself.
Induction training will be provided and reasonable travel and other expenses reimbursed.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Volunteers will need to have a caring, supportive and empathetic nature, an understanding of the needs of disabled people and be prepared to support them with decisions relating to their involvement in the local community.
Be flexible, and understanding.
Be flexible, and understanding.
WHEN REQUIRED:
This grid shows when you can volunteer for this opportunity.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Are there age restrictions for this opportunity? Yes
Age Restrictions:
18+
Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity? No
Gender restrictions:
Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people? No
Disability restrictions:
This will depend on the location
How long before volunteer can expect a response?
How long to complete training and recruitment?
Volunteer Expenses offered? Yes
Induction and Training offered? Yes
Support and Supervision offered? Yes
Has a risk assessment been carried out? Yes
DBS Disclosure required? No