Befriender

We are looking for non-judgemental, reliable, and patient individuals, who have an understanding (or the ability to learn) about domestic abuse and are confident using the telephone to join our volunteer befriending service. Befrienders will offer emotional support and promote self-care and healthy lifestyle choices to improve wellbeing and help alleviate isolation. The befriender will receive full training and ongoing support and supervision from our coordinator.

responsibilities

• Provide a weekly or fortnightly telephone call/video call or when appropriate face -to face session.
• Providing emotional support, including non-judgemental active listening
• Helping individuals to think about self-care, healthy lifestyle and development of routine
• Supporting individuals to pursue interests/hobbies and opportunities
• Supporting and gently encouraging people to make changes to improve their lives
• Helping individuals to achieve their goals and become empowered.
• To be aware of child and adult protection issues and report these to the Designated safeguarding leads.

Experience

• Respect for the confidentiality and self-respect of service users
• Non-judgemental, reliable and patient
• To be friendly, approachable, good communication skills and a good listener
• Knowledge and understanding of (or ability to learn) domestic abuse and the effects on ALL persons
• Confident using the phone
• Ability to calmly respond to the needs of the individual you are befriending
• Organisational and basic admin skills

What you will gain as a volunteer?

• A rewarding experience and opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of someone
• Training enabling you to develop new skills and broaden your knowledge.
• Skills development in support work
• On-going training and opportunities for personal development and progression
• Support and supervision
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses