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Deafblind UK
,
Hampton Wick, London, Greater London
Befriender - Share a coffee and a chat with Sara
Overview
Job Description
Make a difference! Our member, Sara, is 91 years old and lives alone in the Hampton Wick area. Due to her combined sight and hearing loss and other health issues, she is spending much of her time alone at home and is looking for a friendly home befriender to visit her and perhaps in time to go out and access her local community. Sara is an independent and sociable woman who has been involved in local groups for visually impaired people in the past. She is now a keen listener to audiobooks, enjoys a weekly art class and would welcome the opportunity to get to know someone in her local community. Registered blind and with poor mobility, Sara requires guiding and uses a wheelchair whilst out of the house so you would be required to push this if going out. Full training will be provided as part of this role. If you have a couple of hours to spare each week, why not apply and join our amazing team of volunteers. No experience is required, simply a caring, friendly nature and the ability to chat and listen. Our members are some of the most isolated people in our communities and a weekly visit can make a ll the difference. Apply today by clicking on 'apply' and completing the short application form. For more information, contact our Volunteer Recruiter on 01733 316587 or email 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.