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!
In 2025 we launched an exciting new project in Doncaster - extending our successful Sheffield based 'Good Neighbour' scheme into this new area so we can help even more older people (65+) who are in need of befriending support in their own homes. Would you like to join our growing volunteer team and help someone in your local community?
We aim to match volunteers and older people according to their needs (e.g. someone who locally to you, someone who shares the same interests and hobbies). Timing and frequency of your visits can be flexible to fit around your other commitments (e.g. days, evenings or weekends).
Our older people live in Doncaster, but we welcome applications from South Yorkshire and beyond. Maybe you regularly travel to Doncaster for work, studies, or shopping? We can match you to someone around your journey! The recruitment and induction process can either be done in person or via Zoom online, to cut down on your travel time and make it 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.
Visiting an older person in their home (once a week or fortnight) to have a chat. Forming a friendship, providing a kind listening ear will ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation.
All homes are risk assessed.
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)
Out 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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