Aireborough Voluntary Services to The

AIREBOROUGH VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY SUFFOLK COURT, SILVER LANE YEADON, LEEDS LS19 7JN TEL: 0113 250 1702 (e-mail: [email protected]) Registered charity No. 1165792 Registered company No. 09882948

Volunteer Role – Befriender

Role Description: Volunteer befrienders spend an hour or more a couple of times a month visiting clients in their homes. These are clients who are no longer able to attend our social activities due to health, mobility or access problems. Volunteers offer companionship and bring a little bit of the outside world with them. Members often have various carers popping in and out to help with shopping, cleaning, cooking or personal care but often there is not enough time to simply sit down and have a chat over a cup of tea. Befrienders fill this gap and brighten the day of those that they visit. The role can even suit parents as some members are happy for befrienders to take their children* with them (*Befrienders need to understand that children are not covered by AVSED’s insurance and remain the responsibility of the parent during visits on behalf of AVSED). Each Befriender will be given a confidential placement profile which gives some background information on the client and aims and objectives of the befriending.

When required: Monday – Friday during the day – no later than 7.30pm finish

Skills and qualifications:  Good listening skills  Patience and understanding  Interest in older people  Ability to strike up conversations  Ability to make their own way to the venue

Minimum Commitment: 1 hour per fortnight over a minimum of 6 months

Application process: Application Form, References, Informal Discussion, DBS Check, Trial Period

Expenses: Yes - 45p/m, 20p per phone call, public transport expenses reimbursed

Insurance: Yes (i.e. public liability)

Induction: Including aims and expectations, confidentiality, health and safety, emergency procedures, expenses, using equipment safely and handling client’s money.

Training: Back Care and Wheelchair Training Required, First Aid is optional

Contact Information: Sarah Rogers Volunteer Recruitment, Training and Development Officer