Befriender - Complete a puzzle with Lizzy

Make a difference today! Our member, Lizzy, is an incredible 98 years old and live alone in sheltered accommodation in Ilkley. She spent a number of years in the forces and teaching dressmaking and has enjoyed travelling round the world on cruises with Norway being a particular favourite. These days she enjoys quiz shows such as Mastermind and University Challenge and completing puzzles, crosswords and number puzzles. Lizzy is a positive and chatty woman who is looking for a friendly volunteer to come to her for a cup of tea and a chat. Due to her age and combined sight and hearing loss, getting out and about is no longer possible and so having a regular visitor would mean a great deal to her at this stage in her life. Ideally. she is looking for someone who could visit on a Wednesday but any time would be welcomed. If you have some time to spare and enjoy chatting and getting to know people then why not get in touch and apply. No experience is required at all. Interested?..... then click 'apply' and complete the short application form. For more information contact our Volunteer Recruiter on 01733 316587 or by email at What is a Volunteer Befriender? A Volunteer Home or Social Befriender will regularly visit a deafblind person in their own home or at another mutually convenient location to engage in or support them in social, leisure and practical activities as appropriate, to build and maintain social interaction and independence. Thus, breaking isolation and improving their quality of life. The activities which may include: * Engaging in conversation or other activities as appropriate to build and maintain friendship e.g. chat and a cup of tea or going for local walks. * Providing information about local leisure opportunities and transport options * Accompanying the person to the first few meetings of one or more social or leisure groups or activities in the local community, e.g. the W.I., swimming pool, University of the 3rd Age, community walking groups, a local deafblind group or activity What's involved? As a Volunteer Home/Social Befriender your role will be: * Establishing and building a befriending relationship and enabling our member to socialise and link to social events within the community * To visit an identified person at a mutually convenient time and place to engage in activities as described above and appropriate to normal companionship (Deafblind UK will work to match you with an individual with similar interests who would benefit from your life experiences) * To provide advice and guidance to the member at a level appropriate within a mutual companionship. * To supervise the member as required in specific tasks ie gardening. * To take charge of communication and guiding support as needed with the member to enable local walks, or enable them to access activities at their chosen meeting location * Providing regular updates of your volunteering activity to your Deafblind UK named contact What times do I need to commit to? * This role requires a regular commitment of time to regularly visit our member, normally weekly at a mutually convenient time and place. The role will suit people who are ... * Willing to share their own personal interests with our member who have the same or similar interests * Willing to engage in conversations with our members to share interests * Willing to learn communication and guiding techniques to meet the needs of our members with combined sight and hearing loss (full training will be provided) * You must be over 18 to take up this role What are the benefits to you? * Opportunities to meet like-minded people in your community * Be part of a friendly, supportive and dedicated team * The satisfaction of knowing you will be making a difference to real people's lives * New communications skills * Establishing positive employability skills to help you in your career path How do we support you? We ensure all volunteers who join our team are well equipped to undertake any tasks and will provide training and supervision throughout your journey with us. Any specific training will be outlined within your onboarding and induction stages and then discussed at your reviews with your Deafblind UK named contact.