Face‑to‑Face Befriender Volunteer - Father Hudson’s Caritas – Young at Heart
Father Hudson’s Caritas has achieved the GOLD Volunteer Quality Standard Award through VAST, recognising our commitment to high‑quality volunteering practice.
We are recruiting Face‑to‑Face Befriender Volunteers to support older people in the Chesterton / Crackley Bank area of Newcastle‑under‑Lyme.
About the Role
Father Hudson’s Young at Heart social groups and befriending service support older people who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness.
As a Face‑to‑Face Befriender, you will provide regular companionship through friendly home visits, helping service users feel connected to their local community and the wider world. This may involve conversation, shared interests, or support to access activities and hobbies.
Volunteers are not expected to provide personal care.
Time and Location
Time: Once per week for approximately 1 hour
Location: Chesterton / Crackley Bank area, Newcastle‑under‑Lyme
Roles and Responsibilities
As a volunteer befriender, you will:
Provide friendly, supportive home visits to an older person
Offer companionship to someone who may feel lonely or isolated
Show understanding and empathy toward service users’ needs
Have, or be willing to develop, an understanding of supporting someone living with dementia
Be reliable, patient, sensitive, and flexible
Communicate well and engage positively, with a good sense of humour
Attend training sessions and meetings as required
Report any concerns to the Young at Heart Project Manager
As a Volunteer, You Will Also
Register with Father Hudson’s volunteering scheme
Undertake a DBS check relevant to the role
Respect and value service users’ experiences, opinions, and knowledge
Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety, and other organisational policies
Take part in role‑related training, meetings, and events where needed
What We Provide
Appropriate induction and role‑specific training
Ongoing support, advice, and guidance
Valuable volunteering experience to enhance your CV
Opportunities to make a real difference in your local community
Invitations to staff and volunteer events, including Volunteer Network Meetings
A work reference
Additional Information
Minimum age: 18 years
If you have a passion for supporting older people, enjoy building meaningful connections, and want to make a difference in your community, we would love to hear from you.