People's horizons can often grow more limited as health issues, losing friends, and lack of confidence since retirement, see them socialising less and less often. But we firmly believe that later life shouldn't be a lonely life. We build a relationship of trust and care through regular telephone befriending calls – made by CareLink volunteers – and provide practical support for them to stay as healthy and independent in their own home as possible.
Here's how we do it
Telephone Befriender:
Regular telephone befriending calls in a routine pattern each week
A point of contact when people don't know where to turn for help
Direct practical support and referral to other services when care and health issues are identified
Check that people are taking medication, keeping appointments, staying warm, and staying fed and hydrated with regular reminders.
Help to identify local social activities, and offer initial support to attend Volunteer
Volunteer Admin:
Based at our Hanley Office, support could include:
Scanning and digitising of evidence and updating relevant databases and files
Answering the telephone
Entering information onto databases
Booking appointments
Laminating and shredding
We require that you attend a short training session 2-3 hours either in one sitting or over a couple of sessions, in person or via Zoom. Then to be able to commit to providing 2 hours per week for a period of no less than 6 months. You will need to have an enhanced DBS check, which we will arrange and fund.
Skills and Experience Desired:
Have good IT/Computer Skills
Have good listening and communication skills
Have an interest in and empathy with older people
Can provide non-judgemental support and encouragement to people in difficult situations
Are able to respect confidentiality even in difficult situations
Are honest, reliable, committed and flexible to meet clients' needs
Benefits to the Volunteer:
What do volunteers get out of it? Our volunteers regularly tell us that they benefit from volunteering with us in a number of ways. You will no doubt find some benefits in common such as:
learning new skills and enhancing your CV
Increasing confidence and self-esteem
Making new friends and being a member of an enthusiastic team
A sense of well-being which comes from giving back to your community
The satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference
Training:
You will receive full training and support to help you to improve your confidence and understanding for this role. You will be required to complete mandatory training before you begin your role. This will cover areas such as boundaries, confidentiality, and safeguarding.
Support:
You will be supported by a dedicated member of staff who will ensure that your training and development needs are met, and provide ongoing support as needed. Expenses: We will refund you for any reasonable expenses, such as travel and activity costs.