Telephone Befriender

Our telephone Befrienders phone older people with long-term health conditions and their carers. They call on a regular basis to offer a friendly chat and a listening ear.

By becoming a befriender you will be able to use your skills in caring, listening and communication to make a real difference in someone's life. You should be able to deal with befriendees in a non-judgemental and respectful way, whilst maintaining the confidentiality and observing the networks organisational policies and procedures.

We hope that volunteers will develop a rewarding relationship with the older people they befriend by offering contact, understanding and information; a few phone calls a month can really make a difference.

Our volunteers - ordinary men and women of all ages and ethnicities - love spending time with older people. Through them, we want to help create a society where everyone feels valued and involved whatever their age.

We will also offer ongoing support and mentoring both individually and at group volunteer get-togethers.

You need no specific skills or qualifications other than a great listener, enjoys talking and have real empathy towards older people. A friendly disposition is useful.

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience;

Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate, Ability to maintain confidentiality

Flexible approach and a willingness to work as part of a team