Befriending Assistant – VH242

Age UK Norfolk; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a compassionate organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older individuals in Norfolk. In this role, you will provide vital companionship by making friendly phone calls to those in need, helping to alleviate loneliness and isolation. With flexible hours available, you can work between 9-5, Monday to Friday, to suit your schedule. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in your community, supporting an established charity with a rich history of service. If you have a kind heart and a desire to help others, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to engage with older individuals.
• Empathy and understanding to support those feeling isolated.

Responsibilities

• Make weekly phone calls to older people awaiting a volunteer.
• Assess suitability for the befriending service.

Skills

Communication Skills

Empathy

Flexibility

Education

No formal education required

Job description

Role:
Age UK Norfolk’s befriending service offers a lifeline to many older people who would otherwise feel lonely and isolated across Norfolk. Befriending is a chatty, friendly call with an older person (or people as befrienders may choose to be in contact with more than one person) and passing on requests for other support. Before they match a member with their Befriender, a member of staff calls them weekly to assess suitability for the service and to match efficiently to like-minded volunteers or to volunteers who have the experience to provide the support needed for the individual. It sounds simple, but it makes a significant impact.

The main purpose is to make weekly phone calls to older people awaiting a volunteer from the Staff List.

Time commitment:
Flexibility to work hours between 9-5 Monday-Friday to suit you. Although we will need certain information by Wednesday 4pm.

About the organisation:
Age UK Norfolk is an independent, local charity with 75 years’ experience of supporting older people and their families living in Norfolk. They raise their own funds and fundraise locally to provide vital services across the county. Their relationship with other Age UK charities allows them to share knowledge and expertise and to actively promote the wellbeing of older people through collective national and local campaigning.

They are proud to be making Norfolk a great place to grow older.

How to apply: If you are interested in this role and would like to apply or would like more information, contact the Volunteer Hub at Merchants’ Place –
E: [e-mail]
T: 01263 519454

Alternatively, you can complete an online registration form and your details will be sent to us directly. A link for the form can be found on our Volunteer Hub page on our website.