voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Telephone Befriender for people with sight loss Volunteer Opportunity No. VO83925 - Created/last updated: 01/02/2021 | ![]() Opportunity |
About this opportunity: | Around two thirds of sight impaired people have experienced loneliness because of their sight loss. seescape, have adapted their services in response to COVID-19, so people are still supported. Volunteer telephone befrienders have received training and are now contacting seescape clients on a regular basis to have a conversation, get to know them and offer moral support. This is so important and helps to prevent loneliness and isolation, which can lead to other health issues including mental health problems. However, there are still people waiting or a telephone befriender, so we require new volunteers who can offer a small amount of their time each week to call clients. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Takes place: |
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Minimum age: | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum age: | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Training provided: | Induction training, during COVID-19 consists of 3 short videos, with support materials and agreement to be signed off before volunteering. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Out of pocket expenses paid? | Yes - We pay public transport rates and 45p a mile reimbursement available if taking befriendee in volunteers? car (subject to insurance, MOT and Tax checks). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Experience required: | Ability to download and listen to 3 short videos and read/complete necessary supporting materials/agreements.
Willingness to engage in on the telephone, email and/or online with live virtual meetings (done via Zoom).
Ability to have a conversation and offering social companionship on the telephone.
Report back to the Coordinator on how this is going, and issues raised.
Reflecting on own needs and requirements and informing the Coordinator of what these are.
Good all-round communication | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restrictions on who can volunteer | none | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Application process: | Application Form; Induction/Training; Informal Chat; Interview; PVG membership required; References; Trial Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taster available? | Yes: Induction training, during COVID-19 consists of 3 short videos, with support materials and agreement to be signed off before volunteering.
Regular ?Reflect and Review? support sessions arranged with individual volunteers and Coordinator.
Opportunities t | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Travel Details | Volunteers can telephone their befriendee in the comfort of their own home, so no travelling is required. A telephone call makes a huge difference to seescape clients, and there is the option once to increase frequency depending on the agreement of those | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Saltire Award | This opportunity is compatible with the Saltire Awards for volunteers aged 12-25. |