Community Befriender

Community Befriender

Volunteer 30000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide friendly support to individuals facing loneliness and promote their independence.
  • Company: Leading community organisation focused on mental health support in London.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, learning opportunities, and employee assistance programme.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with a commitment of just two hours per week.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience.
  • Qualifications: Experience in caring roles and understanding of mental health.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.

Are you passionate about making a difference in someone’s life? Community Befrienders provide friendly company and social support to people experiencing loneliness or isolation. The Community Befriending service supports people with mental health needs living in the community. Community Befrienders regularly visit allocated clients and provide practical and emotional support that reduces social isolation, promotes independence and empowers clients to become more confident. The role takes place out in the community and in service users’ homes, providing one to one support around central London.

Requirements

  • Minimum commitment: One visit per week (2 hours)
  • Completion of a DBS check (if you don’t already have a current one)

You will

  • Provide practical and emotional support to allocated clients, including helping with daily tasks and encouraging community engagement.
  • Deliver person-centred, safe and risk-positive support that promotes wellbeing, independence and resilience.
  • Maintain client records securely and support monitoring and evaluation needs.
  • Ensure safeguarding reporting in line with organisational policies.
  • Promote equality, diversity and service user involvement.
  • Manage authorised client-related expenses responsibly.
  • Develop effective working relationships with colleagues and external partners.
  • Engage in continuous self-development and training.

You have

  • Experience supporting people in a caring capacity (paid or unpaid).
  • Understanding of mental health and recovery.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and safe boundaries.
  • Supportive, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach.
  • Basic housekeeping and budgeting skills.
  • Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.
  • Commitment to empowering others.

About us

We are a leading community-based organisation dedicated to providing outstanding mental health support and clinical interventions across London. Our experienced, clinically led teams are focused on directly addressing a range of mental health needs in our communities. We have decades of local community knowledge and a record of empowering people to live the life they choose.

£14.80 per hour

Hybrid-working if the nature of role permits.

Learning and development opportunities.

Cycle to work scheme (interest free loan paid back over 12 months).

Employee Assistance Programme.

A 24-hour helpline from Health Assured to support you through any of life’s issues or problems.

Free eye test.

Interest free loan for those in financial hardship.

Community Befriender employer: Allkind

As a leading community-based organisation in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing mental health challenges. With a commitment to continuous learning and development, our Community Befrienders enjoy flexible working arrangements, comprehensive employee assistance programmes, and unique benefits like a cycle to work scheme, all while contributing to a vital cause that promotes wellbeing and independence in the community.

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Contact Details:

Allkind Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Community Befriender

Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research our values and mission so you can show us how your passion for supporting others aligns with what we do. This will help you stand out during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current Community Befrienders or other staff members on social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s all about making those connections!

Tip Number 3

Be ready to share your stories! During interviews, we love hearing about your past experiences in caring roles. Think of specific examples where you made a difference in someone’s life – it’ll really resonate with us.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Community Befriender

Empathy
Understanding of Mental Health
Communication Skills
Confidentiality Maintenance
Supportive Approach
Non-judgemental Attitude
Basic Housekeeping Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how much you care about supporting those experiencing loneliness or isolation. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for the Community Befriender role.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone with a supportive and empathetic approach, so mention any past roles where you've provided care or support, whether paid or unpaid. This will help us see how you fit into our mission.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to outline your skills and experiences, making it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position and our organisation there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Allkind

Know Your Impact

Before the interview, think about how your past experiences have made a difference in someone's life. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided support or companionship, especially in challenging situations. This will show your passion for the role and your understanding of the importance of community befriending.

Understand Mental Health

Brush up on your knowledge of mental health issues and recovery processes. Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced by individuals experiencing loneliness or isolation. This will help you demonstrate empathy and a supportive approach during the interview, which is crucial for this role.

Showcase Your Skills

Highlight any relevant skills you possess, such as budgeting, basic housekeeping, or effective communication. Prepare to discuss how these skills can help you provide practical support to clients. Being able to connect your abilities to the job requirements will make you stand out.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the organisation's approach to community befriending and client support. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission effectively.