Check & Chat Volunteer

Brendoncare aims to improve the quality of life for older people, and our local networks of social/activity clubs are vital in combating loneliness and social isolation. They enable our members to develop relationship networks and each club aims to respond to the interests, needs, aspirations and choices of each individual.

In order to support a wider group we provide regular telephone contact to our members to help them feel that they are not alone. The telephone support service can also provide a valuable point of contact for members who are temporarily or permanently unable to attend their normal club due to ill health, caring responsibilities, etc.

 Brendoncare Clubs are looking for volunteers to help us deliver this vital service to the members of our clubs and other older people in our communities.

Some of the calls will be a quick and friendly 10 minute chat to check that the member is doing ok. Other calls might be significantly longer, particularly with those people who are more isolated. At times you might find them feeling lonely and low so you will need to be able to empathise with what they are feeling and try to brighten their day. We are finding that many of our members feel that bit better after a chat with one of our volunteers, even though their situation hasn’t really changed.

You will also be expected to identify anyone who is experiencing real difficulties whether practical or emotional and feed that information back to your manager so additional support can be offered.

The role is very flexible and can be tailored to fit around your existing commitments.

Full training is provided and includes initial induction training which takes around 2 hours and safeguarding training which takes 1 hour. 

Skills

You will need to be cheerful and articulate with some time to spare and the ability to chat to anyone about anything, show an interest in other people's needs and interests an have good listening skills.

16+