We are looking for friendly and confident volunteers to join our Telephone Befriending Service to provide emotional support to local people living with sight loss. A friendly voice on the phone on a regular basis can make a huge difference to someone’s emotional wellbeing and ability to access local support and services.

What will you be doing?

- Calling a client on an agreed regular basis for a friendly and supportive chat and making sure that they have everything they need

- Listening actively to your client and getting to know them whilst sharing your own interests and experiences

- Treating what you hear as confidential and sensitive

- Keeping us up to date on how your volunteering is going at regular telephone support sessions and referring any queries and concerns back to the Volunteer Coordinator

- Reading and following our policies and procedures - designed to keep you and the people we support safe and happy

What skills and experience are needed?

- Good listening and communication skills

- Empathy / understanding towards others and an interest in what others have to say

- A non-judgmental and positive approach and the desire to motivate and encourage others

- Confidence when using the telephone

- An ability to work independently but also stay within the role’s boundaries – recognising what should and shouldn’t be done and when to seek advice or report concerns

- A good understanding of confidentiality

What will you gain from the role?

- The knowledge that you are helping to make a real difference to the lives of people living with sight loss 

- Experience of working with a variety of people

- A greater understanding of sight loss

- Useful new skills

What support will be given?

- Induction and training (telephone/online)

- Regular support and supervision from the Volunteer Coordinator

When will you be needed?

A mutually convenient day and time will be agreed between the client and yourself.

How often will you be needed?

- We ask for a minimum contribution of 30 minutes per week

- A minimum of 3 months' commitment is required