Befriending Assistant – VH242

Overview

Role: Age UK Norfolk’s befriending service offers a lifeline to many older people who would otherwise feel lonely and isolated across Norfolk. Befriending is a chatty, friendly call with an older person (or people as befrienders may choose to be in contact with more than one person) and passing on requests for other support. Before they match a member with their Befriender, a member of staff calls them weekly to assess suitability for the service and to enable efficient matching to like-minded volunteers or to volunteers who have the experience to provide the needed support. It sounds simple, but it makes a significant impact.

The main purpose is to make weekly phone calls to older people awaiting a volunteer from the Staff List.

Responsibilities

• Make weekly phone calls to older people awaiting a volunteer from the Staff List.
• Assess suitability for the befriending service during initial contact with potential members.
• Match members with volunteers who have the experience to provide the required support and act on requests for other support where appropriate.

Time commitment

Flexibility to work hours between 9:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday to suit you. Certain information will be needed by Wednesday 4:00 pm.

About the organisation

Age UK Norfolk is an independent, local charity with 75 years of experience supporting older people and their families living in Norfolk. They raise funds locally to provide vital services across the county. Their relationship with other Age UK charities allows them to share knowledge and expertise and to promote the wellbeing of older people through both national and local campaigning.

They are 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: volhub@merchantsplace.co.uk
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.