Gift of Friendship – Befriending Volunteer – VH248

Age UK Norfolk; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local charity supporting older people is seeking volunteers for their Befriender role. You'll visit older individuals in their homes or care facilities for one hour each week, providing companionship and support. Training is offered, and background checks are required. Flexible time commitment and opportunities to help individuals reconnect with their community are included. If interested, contact the Volunteer Hub or apply through their website online registration form.

Qualifications

• Access to an email address as the primary communication method.
• Completion of short training courses before starting the role.
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check required.

Responsibilities

• Visit a local older person for one hour each week for companionship.
• Support individuals to reconnect with the community.
• Provide flexible companionship in various settings.

Skills

Companionship

Communication skills

Job description

Role

Age UK Norfolk’s ‘Gift of Friendship’ service takes a proactive, goal-oriented approach to helping individuals aged 50+ reduce loneliness and social isolation across Norfolk. Our Face-to-Face Befriending service offers meaningful connections through friendly visits, whether at a member’s home or care home. Befrienders play a vital role in building relationships with older individuals and supporting them in achieving their personal goals. This service makes a significant and lasting impact on well being, fostering companionship and support. In this role you will visit a local older person (persons) for one hour each week for up to 6 months in their home or care facility, offering companionship. You may also gradually support them to reconnect with their local community for example for a walk, joining a local group, or to visit a local café together.

Training and ongoing support is provided, and short training courses are required to be completed before starting the role. Volunteers must have access to an email address, as email is the primary method of communication. A satisfactory Enhanced DBS (criminal records) check is required.

Time commitment

Flexible.

About the organisation

Age UK Norfolk is an independent, local charity with over 75 years’ experience of supporting older people and their families living in Norfolk. Age UK Norfolk raises its own funds and fundraises locally to provide vital services across the county.

Our relationship with other Age UK charities allows us to share knowledge and expertise, and to actively promote the wellbeing of older people through collective national and local campaigning.

Age UK Norfolk is 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