What will you be doing?
- Visiting people in their home or local community to have a chat and provide a listening ear
- Supporting clients to carry out daily activities that they may otherwise struggle to complete (e.g. reading mail, completing forms and assisting with correspondence)
- Accompanying your befriendee out and about in the local area (with guidance and once the risks have been assessed)
- Supporting clients to get involved in community activities
- Keeping Sight Support West up to date on how your visits are going and referring any queries and concerns to them in a timely manner
- 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?
- A reliable and conscientious attitude
- Friendly, helpful and understanding
- Effective listening and communication skills
- A non-judgmental and positive approach and the desire to motivate and encourage others
- Flexible and committed
- Ability to maintain boundaries
- 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 facilitation skills
What support will be given?
- Induction
- Understanding Sight Loss Training
- Expenses
- Supervision and support from the Volunteer Coordinator
- Additional training as appropriate
Where will you be needed?
We are currently seeking a befriender for a client in the Yate area
When will you be needed?
At a mutually convenient time agreed between you and your befriendee
How often will you be needed?
1-2 hours every week or fortnight would be ideal. A minimum commitment of three months is required
References
Two references required.
Disclosure and Barring Service Information
This role requires a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
Contact Becs Thurgur, Volunteer Coordinator, for a chat or complete the application form below