Volunteer Befriender

Volunteer Role Overview

The Befriender 'Out and About' Volunteer will play a vital role in the lives of the people we support in Guildford, by being a reliable companion to attend activities they enjoy taking part in. These activities might include attending a concert, going to the cinema, going for a walk or out for coffee, visiting gardening centres, going out on shopping trips, etc.

Key Skills and Qualities

• To have a good sense of humour and love to chat
• To be punctual and reliable
• To be kind, empathetic and friendly
• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures
• To be able to assist when necessary with sighted guide/orientation.

Requirements and Training

Please note that you will need to be over the age of 18 in order to apply for this role. To ensure the safety of the people we support, we require a DBS check and two satisfactory references before a volunteer role is confirmed. As you will be volunteering directly with vulnerable individuals, you will also be required to undertake safeguarding training, as well as any training which is specific to the role.

About Us

At SeeAbility we specialise in supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, who may also have sight loss, to realise their goals each and every day. We encourage people with disabilities to challenge what they expect from life, from themselves and from wider society. Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK and has pioneered specialist support for over 220 years.

Benefits of Volunteering

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. Befriending is a great way to keep active and meet new people. SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills. Volunteers can claim travel expenses.