Volunteer Befriender

At Age UK Medway, it isn't all about what qualifications or experience you have. For us, it's about your ability to show compassion and empathy for older people, and dedication to our core values as a charity - to make sure all older people are able to Achieve Life's Fullness.

If you can show us you have these qualities, the rest we will do for you, including covering your DBS checks, and providing you with online training.

If you would like to join a dynamic team of professional and caring people, making positive change to the lives of hundreds of older people each week, then get in touch to talk about our current volunteering roles.

Join us, and be the change we need to see in society, and take the time to #AskAboutAlf

We are seeking a **Volunteer Befriender **to assist in providing a Befriending Service which is an invaluable opportunity for older people who are living in isolation, are lonely or depressed, have limited mobility, or are disabled. By offering your time, you will help us to provide friendship, company and a listening ear which could make a real difference in enhancing the life of a lonely older person.

**Job Type**: Volunteer, Flexible

**Location**:within the Medway community, and taking phone calls from your own home.

**Your duties**:

- Visiting an older person in their own home
- Offering companionship and company
- Providing conversation and listening
- Participating in the person's hobbies or interests
- Attending a weekly arranged/agreed visit
- Providing 1-2 hours per week
- Keeping a record of your visits and submitting them to the Volunteer Co-Ordinator
- You will be alllocated to one person, unless you request additional persons to visit - this will depend on your availability._

**Benefits**:

- Gaining experience and new skills
- Improving self-confidence
- Building positive relationships

**Support we provide**:

- Policies and guidance to support your role
- Access to online training
- Regular contact with the Volunteer Co-Ordinator
- Quarterly volunteer Networking Meetings
- Paid travel expenses

**Upon being successfully shortlisted, you will be required to follow the next steps**:

- Provide us with 2 references
- Complete a DBS check (submitted and paid for by Age UK Medway) - this process is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

**Job Types**: Part-time, Volunteer
Part-time hours: 1-2 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Kent: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):

- Are you aware that this role is unpaid?
- Are you willing to undergo a company-paid DBS check?
- What appeals to you about volunteer work?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kent