Volunteer Digby Court - Volunteer Befriender - Bourne

Job content

Companionship takes many forms. For some our volunteer Befrienders are there for a good gossip over a cuppa, to put the world to rights together reading the paper or to watch the match together in the ‘man cave.’ For some, our Befrienders are there to sit with, to hold their hand and to provide quiet comfort. Our Befrienders know when to talk and when to listen. It can be easy for people to be lonely, even in a vibrant home like ours. Not everyone wants to join in group activities. Sometimes we look for Befrienders who can speak a specific language or have a specific interest or background. The role is very flexible and will depend on what our residents want and a lot on your interests too. Some of our Befrienders visit the same people every week, especially those who have no other visitors, whilst some will be guided by our Care Team to the person who could most do with some companionship. You’ll build up relationships with people so ideally, we’d like a regular, longer term commitment of a couple of hours a week. Days and times are flexible; talk to us and we’ll see what suits us both. What you will be doing Reading or watching TV together Sharing what you’re up to and what life is like for you Possibly connecting over a common interest like football or music Just being there to sit with someone for a while Visiting people in their home for a conversation, sometimes one to one in their room Talking with people about their life and sharing their ‘Life Story’ with the Care Team

If you like being with people and getting to know them this role could be for you. Our residents have some great stories which can be shocking, funny and sad; often all at once. You’ll form close bonds with people, so you’ll need to be emotionally resilient and willing to be guided by the Care Team. You’ll understand that sometimes the conversation will be all one way, circular or non-existent but that your time is the most valuable gift anyone could give. You’ll be good at reading people, picking up signs if someone isn’t themselves. You’ll be self-motivated and willing to work independently at times. You’ll be a people person who enjoys the company of older people. You’ll be confident talking to carers if you notice a change in someone. You’ll be a good listener. You’ll be comfortable talking to older people and curious about their lives. You’ll be happy to share your own experiences.

Minimum age – 14+ Full Induction including Dementia Friends Session Role Specific Training We offer references for our volunteers We reimburse out of pocket expenses You will be on cloud 9 knowing you’ve made someone feel special Experience in a care setting for your CV We will do a DBS check but a criminal record won’t necessarily mean you can’t volunteer. Recruitment Method - Application Form, DBS Check, Informal Discussion, References, Trial Period