supporting, developing and representing community groups, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Volunteer Befriender
with Castle Befriending Scheme.
About this opportunity: | Many of the people the organisation befriends have no one to speak to other than a carer who visits for 15 minutes a day • Loneliness is hugely detrimental to an individual's mental and physical health • a lonely person is twice as likely to develop dementia over the next 15 years and 3 times as likely to develop depression • The physical effects are the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day! All this can be prevented or turned round by just having someone to have a good chat with • This could be you! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Takes place: |
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Minimum age: | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum age: | no upper age limit has been specified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Training provided: | In-house induction training given - total 3 hours which can be split over 3 sessions if necessary. Ongoing support from coordinator via 1-1 meetings, telephone and email. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Out of pocket expenses paid? | Yes - Mileage paid at 40p per mile or public transport cost paid if on an outing - but not for getting to a client. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Experience required: | Friendly, open, non-judgemental disposition and enjoys a chat. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restrictions on who can volunteer | No restrictions were specified. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Application process: | Application Form; Induction/Training; Informal Chat; PVG membership required; References; Trial Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taster available? | No, not for this opportunity. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Travel Details | 1-1 befriending takes place in the individual's home or town for coffee or at a club, etc.
At the Drop-In Lounge the befriender can come along to chat to people who attend.
If going on an outing with a client, petrol/travel expenses can be paid. North Ea | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Saltire Award | This opportunity is compatible with the Saltire Awards for volunteers aged 12-25. |