Care Angel - Befriender (Ash/Ash Vale area)

Would you like to befriend an isolated resident and help to connect them to local community groups and services?

We are looking for volunteers to visit residents in their own homes and accompany them to other community groups in order to form new friendships. The volunteers may also assist residents in setting and meeting their personal goals. Volunteers need to be confident working independently, unless they choose to volunteer as a pair.

Residents may be isolated due to bereavement, lack of family support, health problems, or lack of transport. The residents are mostly older people, but we know loneliness can affect anyone at any age.

Referrals may come from social services, health services, or within the local community. Some residents may have health problems, learning needs, or low-level mental health problems, but volunteers will be matched to someone appropriate to their level of experience and personal preferences. All residents are assessed for suitability and safety before being matched with a volunteer.

Skills

• Volunteers are matched to residents according to their level or experience.
• Availability to commit to around 2 hours a week for a period of ideally 6 months
• Being able to drive may be useful, but not essential to the role.
• Additional skills and experience in care, nursing, social work, special needs or counselling would all be useful, but not essential.