Telephone Befriender
Aims and goals
Loneliness and isolation are a huge issue for over two million older people in the UK who live alone or are housebound.
Could you make a weekly telephone call, at the same time each week, to someone who feels lonely or isolated? We use an App that matches you with the right person and enables us to manage the service, keeping you and our clients safe. We are sure that you will enjoy volunteering with us, and that you will always feel supported and safe.
To join this rewarding service we ask that you are:
- age 18 or over
- a good listener and have empathy for older people
- can contact two or more clients a week
- have access to a smart phone or laptop, PC or tablet. You need this because we use an app called Volunteero to help us manage this service.
Role description
This role description no way implies or states that a contract of employment is or will be offered. This is a voluntary unpaid role and is subject to Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check
What is telephone befriending?
This service is specifcally aimed at older people living in Northamptonshire who feel isolated or lonely. We are currently not able to offer home visits through this service.
Why do we use Volunteero?
Volunteero enables us to provide the best experience to both clients and volunteers. It enables us to efficiently manage referrals to the service and volunteers can see the information they need to match themselves with people on the waiting list. It is a communication tool between Volunteer Co-ordinator and volunteer, ensuring everyone's safety is paramount. It also enables volunteers to work from the comfort of their own home, or at work, at a time that suits.
Training and support
The Volunteer Co-ordinator will provide training and support during your time with us.
Fill in our online form to apply
Our volunteer telephone befriender Rebecca says "I speak to my lovely telephone friend about all of her favourite things, this leads on to her telling me about her life and I can hear the smile on her face. I know my calls are appreciated. I still get immense pleasure from speaking to my clients and looking out for them the best I can. I can’t imagine not contributing my time anytime soon. It’s so rewarding and I thoroughly enjoy it."