Being There supports people with cancer and other life limiting illnesses such as strokes, heart and respiratory disease. This is an opportunity for people looking to support people on a one-to-one basis supported by a manager, although it is also possible for Befriending volunteers to attend our group support and social sessions. We are looking for reliable, honest and caring people to support to people with long term health conditions enabling them to take more control over their health and well-being. Being There also works with carers and families to reduce the negative impact that a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness may have. Volunteers would need to have an understanding of the boundaries of providing support and understand the importance of confidentiality.
Key information
- Duration: Ongoing
- Start Date: 28th March 2024
- End Date: 28th March 2026
- Volunteer: Weekly, Fortnightly
- Availability: Monday AM, Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM
- Tasks: If you like engaging in conversations about all sorts of things over a cuppa tea or coffee, then this volunteering role may be for you! As a Being There Home Befriender you will be required to visit a client at their home address and befriend them on a weekly or fortnightly basis (it is up to you!). This service is to help reduce social isolation, increase confidence and self esteem and improve mental and emotional wellbeing. Everyone likes to see a friendly and familiar face, so if you would like our clients to see yours, then apply today!
It is a very flexible programme. Once you have completed our 2 hr volunteer training course on 'Empathic Listening skills' and DBS checks, you can chose the days and hours that suit you, as long as it is between Monday-Fridays, 9am-4pm. - Training: 2 hr online training session covering 'Empathic listening skills'
Access to the internet and a smartphone/tablet/laptop required to complete the training - Requirements: Willing to travel by public transport or find own way to volunteering location
- Skill And Qualifications Required: We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life who can demonstrate maturity, patience and empathy.
* Friendly, good listening skills and confident at generating and maintaining conversations. Good sense of humour is also a bonus!
* You may be retired or work part time, so you would like to use your spare time to help people in the community.
* You may be a student studying a course in the caring profession such as Medicine, Social Work, Health and Social Care or Counselling so you are looking to enhance your employability by getting some real life work experience.
* Able to speak other languages an advantage. - Interests: Community, Disability, Health and wellbeing, Older people, Social Welfare
- Suitability: Long term commitment, Older people, People seeking work, University students, 18 and over
- Activities: Befriending, Driving, Lending a helping hand, Mentoring, Support Work
- Skills: Listening, Talking to others
- Home Based: No
- DBS Check: Yes
It is a very flexible programme. Once you have completed our 2 hr volunteer training course on 'Empathic Listening skills' and DBS checks, you can chose the days and hours that suit you, as long as it is between Monday-Fridays, 9am-4pm.
Access to the internet and a smartphone/tablet/laptop required to complete the training
* Friendly, good listening skills and confident at generating and maintaining conversations. Good sense of humour is also a bonus!
* You may be retired or work part time, so you would like to use your spare time to help people in the community.
* You may be a student studying a course in the caring profession such as Medicine, Social Work, Health and Social Care or Counselling so you are looking to enhance your employability by getting some real life work experience.
* Able to speak other languages an advantage.