Introduction

Volunteer Befrienders bring the community into local care homes. Befrienders companionship to all care home residents, especially those who have few or no visitors helping them to keep in touch with the outside world, sharing interests and providing residents with an opportunity to reminisce about their lives and experiences.

Being a Volunteer Befriender

Volunteer Befrienders establish positive relationships with their local care homes and residents. Our volunteers befriend the Care Home and work with residents who are isolated, lonely or find social contact challenging. Some volunteers have contact with the same resident(s) each week; others are led by the staff as to who might enjoy a chat.

Befriending activities might include:

· Visiting in person or making telephone / video calls, to:

· Enjoy simple everyday conversation

· Give people the opportunity to reminisce about their lives and experiences

· Read newspapers, books or poetry

· Play games or do puzzles

· Use technology to access music, reminiscence resources, etc

· Support and share residents’ specific interests, hobbies or culture

· Writing to individual residents or sending cards / letters to care homes

· Any befriending activities that bring joy and community into the care home

Volunteers will not be expected to take part in any tasks involving personal care or assisting residents with their mobility.

Skills and qualities desired

● Excellent listening and communication skills

● Enjoy social contact – either in person or over the phone / video call

● Reliable, honest, patient and non-judgemental

● Interest in, and empathy with, older people

● Understand the need for confidentiality

Time requirements

Recent studies have shown that regular social contact with individual residents can make a huge difference to their wellbeing. Therefore, Care Home Volunteers hopes that you will be able to offer regular weekly befriending, at least one hour per week, for a period of at least 6 months, at times to be mutually agreed.

The benefits of becoming a Volunteer Befriender

· The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a big difference – the feel-good factor.

· Valuable experience of volunteering

· Increased confidence and self-esteem

· Full training and support, and opportunities to gain new skills and experience

· Regular opportunities to meet with other volunteers, share experiences and socialise.

If you are intered, please email lisa@carehomevolunteers.org.uk