Introduction

The Phone Café is vital for older people who struggle to get to out and about. Using a computer programme that enables group phone calls, you’ll be creating a supportive, engaging group experience that all participants can enjoy.

What you can expect to gain from volunteering in this role:

• Experience of creating community connection with a group of older people facing isolation.
• Experience of hosting and facilitating.
• Experience of using phone group technology so that multiple people can join a call.
• Ongoing support from Age UK Bristol staff.
• Induction training and further training opportunities to help you carry out the role.
• Any expenses related to the role covered by Age UK Bristol.
• Occasional social events for Age UK Bristol volunteers.
• Appreciation for your work.

What we’re looking for in a volunteer:

• Availability for 2 hours on a Tuesday afternoon.
• A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
• Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
• Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
• Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
• Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
• Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.

About Friends Ageing Better (FAB)

Friends Ageing Better (FAB) is run by Age UK Bristol as a way to build up a community of older people across the city. FAB cafes happen across Bristol and are a great way to meet new people, build relationships, and find out what else is happening locally and beyond. FAB has a membership scheme, which allows people to benefit from discounts at local venues and businesses.

Our FAB Phone Café is for older people who find it difficult to meet in person, which helps to break down isolation and enables people to participate in a meaningful group experience.

Further Information

For further information, please contact:

Susan Forde – FAB Communications

E-mail: susanforde@ageukbristol.org.uk

Phone: 0117 440 43 01

About Age UK Bristol

At Age UK Bristol we help make sure that everyone in Bristol can love later life. We do this by supporting and empowering older people, helping other organisations to work together, and championing the interests of older people in the city.

Our organisational objectives are to:

• Provide top-quality services and support to all older people in Bristol.
• Lead and enable collaboration between other organisations working with older people in Bristol
• Influence public spending and policies in a way that benefits older people in the city
• Promote positive attitudes to ageing in Bristol

We do this by:

• Providing quality information
• Delivering quality services
• Involving older people
• Giving older people a voice
• Working in partnership
• Maintaining an effective organisation

Volunteers are important and valued members of the team at Age UK Bristol. We will do our best to make your volunteer experience enjoyable and rewarding.