SSHC (originally Staffordshire Buddies) was launched on the 1st December 1993 (World AIDS Day) to support people living with HIV. We changed our name in 2020 to Staffordshire Sexual Health Charity (SSHC) and we operate three streams:
- Kaleidoscope: LGBTQ+ support
- Staffordshire Buddies: HIV support
- Sexual Wellbeing Hub: Sexual wellbeing and healthy relationships.
The charity offers counselling, support groups, education and training, prevention and testing, as well as our own LGBTQ+ accreditation. We work with schools, local businesses, prisons and other Staffordshire-based organisations to deliver our offerings. Our mission is to provide support, advice and education to everyone around sexuality, gender, HIV and sexual wellbeing within Staffordshire, to enable a greater understanding and acceptance of everyone's differences.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The time commitment for this role is approximately 1 to 3 hours per week, depending on the number of clients assigned. Calls can be made at mutually agreed-upon times. The volunteer calls will take place from our office in Hanley.
As a telephone befriender, you will:
- Play a crucial role in reducing isolation and loneliness among HIV clients by making weekly calls to check in on their well-being and offer emotional support.
- Direct clients to appropriate resources or support services (internal and external) if needed.
- Show empathy and actively listen to clients' concerns, providing a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Respect and maintain the confidentiality of all client interactions and information.
Skills and Experience Desired
- An understanding of the challenges faced by HIV clients is desirable, but not essential, as training will be provided.
- Good telephone communication skills are essential.
- A compassionate and non-judgmental attitude is essential.
- Reliability and commitment to making weekly calls.
- We would assist you in applying for a DBS check.
Benefits to the volunteer
- Choose when, during our office hours, to volunteer
- Be part of a passionate and driven team and gain valuable experience in active listening and empathy.
- Make a positive impact on the well-being of HIV clients by providing emotional support and companionship.
- Volunteer social events.
- Expenses paid.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, religions, and with (dis)abilities. If you'd like to volunteer but are concerned about potential barriers in terms of cost or accessibility, then email us and we'll do our best to help. If you need to travel as part of your role, we reimburse travel expenses. If need the money before you travel let us know and we'll look into giving you the money before you travel.