Do you enjoy a good chat? Can you spare just an hour a week or a fortnight? Would you like to make a connection to an older person who is feeling isolated and make a real difference to their quality of life? Then come and volunteer with us!
We are looking for volunteers for our flagship "Good Neighbour" scheme who can provide older people (65+) who live in Doncaster with befriending support over the phone. We aim to match volunteers and older people according to their needs (e.g. shares the same interests or hobbies). Timing and frequency of your calls can be flexible to fit around your other commitments (e.g. days, evenings or weekends).
Our older people live in Doncaster (and Sheffield), but as you will be calling from the comfort of your own home, you can live anywhere across South Yorkshire or beyond to apply. The recruitment and induction process can either be done in person or via Zoom online, whichever is more convenient for you.
For more detailed information/to apply please go to https://scccc.goassemble.com/opportunities
Or contact Lynn Smith, Helen Abbott or Aaliyah Akhtar at volunteers@scccc.co.uk or by telephone on 0114 2505293 - option 5.
Calling an older person on a regular basis (a phone call once a week or fortnight) to build a friendship. Having a chat over the phone to reduce their feelings of isolation and loneliness.
No previous experience is required
We are looking for people who have:
A caring attitude, patient and friendly disposition
Good listening and communication skills
The ability to work unsupervised and within professional boundaries
Mid to long term availability (ideally able to be in the role for a minimum of 12 months)
Our of pocket expenses are available, alongside initial and ongoing training, supervision and support from an experienced staff team.
We currently have over 400 older people waiting for a 'friend' across Doncaster and Sheffield. Our older people are isolated for many different reasons; bereavement, loss of independence due to mobility or health problems, financial pressures.....the list goes on. A small amount of your time will make such a difference to their wellbeing, through providing warmth, connection and friendship.
You will gain
- First hand understanding of the issues that affect older people.
- Experience in befriending and buddying.
- Improved communication skills.
- Personal satisfaction - improve your wellbeing and self esteem by making a meaningful difference to an older person's life.
- Improved understanding of the charity, health and social care sectors
- Experiences and references to aid future employment in a wide range of sectors
- Ongoing support, training, development and social opportunities.
Established in 1966, SCCCC (Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care) is a multi award winning charity that supports older people (65+) across Sheffield and Doncaster, providing a 'helping hand' when they need it most. We work in partnership with a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector partners to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation and loneliness. Staff and volunteers provide befriending support through visits and over the phone to help combat loneliness. They also provide a range of practical assistance to older people in their own homes and around admittance or discharge from hospital. More detailed information about our history, ethos and services can be found at www.scccc.co.uk.
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