Telephone Befriender

with MHA Communities Harrogate

Can you spare an hour or two each week to help an older person feel less lonely?

We are looking for caring and committed volunteers to help support an older person who lives independently in their own home with regular telephone or video calls.

The aim of telephone befriending is to reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Our Volunteers are required to ring an older person to check on them and build a friendship. One half an hour call seems really simple, but having someone to talk to and someone to listen, could really make a difference to an older person. It could be that you are the only person they speak to that day, or even that week.

Skills or experience required?:

We are looking for people with the following skills and qualities:

• Age 18 and over
• Good listening skills
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• Ability to keep records of calls made
• Flexible, reliable and punctual
• Clear sense of personal boundaries and confidentiality
• Able to provide non-judgemental support
• Willingness to engage with training and development

You will require?: Criminal Record Check (DBS)

This opportunity is suitable for: Wheelchair users

Frequency of opportunity: Ongoing

Can this opportunity be home based?: Yes

What are the areas of interest?: Coronavirus support, Befriending & buddying, Health & wellbeing

Type(s) of cause supported: Faith & belief, Local community, Older people

Where is the opportunity located?: Harrogate

Includes out of pocket expenses?: Yes

How many hours per week is this opportunity?: 1 - 2

You can volunteer for this opportunity at the following times:

	M	T	W	T	F	S	S
Morning
Afternoon
Evening