Purpose: Our befrienders provide crucial social interaction for our clients with sight loss who are isolated and can’t reach our centres. By popping in once a week or fortnight, befrienders can make a positive difference to someone’s life. A visit could be a chat and a cup of tea, reading post, playing a board game, or getting out and about in the local area. 

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