Buddy Support for Community Café

We are looking for volunteers to be A Buddy Support who can create a supportive environment for people who have lost their confidence in going out.

This support helps in combating longer term problems around self-esteem and confidence. It also helps to overcome social isolation and loneliness. We are linking in with our Community Café in Brighton Hill.

The Café is open every Monday (accept Bank Holidays) 10:30am to 1pm and is a vital link, giving the older members of the local community an opportunity to meet others.

There is also a ‘Natter and Chatter’ table, where customers can sit if they want to have a chat to other customers.

What will I be doing?

As a Buddy Support, you will be matched with a person, who you will support to regain confidence in going out, by:

· Bring them by car to the Community Café at Brighton Hill

· Offer a supportive arm if needed

(No lifting is required, people needed to be able to get in and out of a car unaided)

Remain with them, if they would like, when they are at the Café · Return them home at the end of the morning and ensure that they are safely indoors

Skills

Enjoy meeting people

Friendly and empathetic

Have a non-judgmental approach

Good communicator

Patient and sensitive

Willing to follow service boundaries, policies and procedures

Enjoy working as part of a team

Desirable

Have an understanding of issues faced by those who have been shielding or self-isolating