Befriender

Lifeworks Staffordshire needs you! Help us to help you make a difference to a charity that depends on passionate people to thrive and grow. It will be rewarding for you, and life changing for somebody on the autistic spectrum.

Lifeworks supports marginalised people 14+ and their carers' in North Staffordshire with Autistic conditions including ADHD, Dyspraxia and Tourette's Syndrome. Established in 2006 Lifeworks currently supports 800+ Autistic clients and 329 carers’. The majority have mental ill health, extreme anxiety and depression, struggle with social interaction/interpretation and are isolated in the community. 

Location

The role is available in North Staffs (Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffs Moorlands). Reporting to our office in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Befriender Role

We are looking for compassionate, friendly volunteers 18+ with good communication and organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records, reporting to our office in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. The role will involve helping to build social interaction and the confidence of the client, establishing and maintaining a friendly, sympathetic and professional relationship. Volunteers will be matched to clients with similar interests, introduced to ensure they are happy to work together and accompanied by a mentor on the first few visits.   This could involve meeting the client at a café, going shopping or going to the gym as examples. Encouraging engagement with our and other organisation activities helping the service user to socialise, to gain confidence and improve their standard of life. We welcome people to make an appointment to discuss volunteering with us.

Commitment

The time required for the role varies from 1 to 4 hours a week dependent on how much time you can give. We are looking for a reasonable commitment (6 months+).

Suitability

Must be 18+. We are especially looking for mature volunteers (possibly ex NHS staff) as many of our clients interact well with such people. Those interested in tackling social isolation/exclusion. The role may be of interest to those interested in psychology or looking to go into counselling, social work or care roles.

Training and Expenses

Training & supervision is provided, travel and reasonable volunteer role related expenses are paid. You will be fully supported by the CEO and staff from our Newcastle-Under-Lyme office.

Requirements

References will/may be required and a DBS check will be carried out at the charities expense so we are looking for a reasonable commitment (6 months+).