Volunteering Opportunity: Telephone Befriender - Hertfordshire wide with Age UK Hertfordshire

Before you can register your interest for this opportunity you must be registered as a volunteer.

Are you a good listener?
Do you like to have a chat?
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by telephoning them? If so, why not become a Telephone Buddy and help older people feel less alone?

Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment

District: Broxbourne, Dacorum, East Herts, Hertsmere, North Herts, St Albans, Stevenage, Three Rivers, Watford, Welwyn/Hatfield

Location: From home

Time of day: Weekday Mornings, Weekday Afternoons, Weekday Evenings, Weekend Half Days

Practical Considerations: All volunteers must be over the age of 18 and are recruited subject to references and a clear enhanced DBS.

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS)

Suitable for: 18 – 25 year olds, Aged 26 and over, University students, Older People, People with a visual impairment, People with restricted mobility

Suitable for volunteers interested in: Health and Wellbeing, Isolation & Loneliness, Mental Health, Voluntary & Community Action

Does this opportunity provide wheelchair access?: No

Full Description:
As a Telephone Befriender, you will regularly phone an older person living in Hertfordshire once a week to offer a friendly chat and a listening ear.
You will be matched with an older person, providing friendship and sharing news, views and interests on the phone.
The times you phone are flexible and convenient to you and them.

What skills do I need to volunteer?

Good listening skills, patience and an understanding of the problems faced by older people.
You should be able to deal with clients in a non-judgemental and respectful way, whilst maintaining their confidentiality.
Good communication skills - able to speak clearly and confidently on the phone with a friendly personality.