Befriender

7 days ago


Manchester, United Kingdom Age UK Manchester Full time

**Job Overview**

This will include a minimum of 10 hours per week befriending along with administration one day per month at Head Office in St Ann’s Square.

As a Befriender you will visit older people in their own homes’ who may be experiencing isolation, ill-health, reduced mobility and loneliness to offer support and companionship.

**What’s involved?**

Help older people feel less lonely by providing a listening ear, engaging them in conversation and to listen with interest
- Promote ageing in a positive way
- Helping others to adapt to changes
- To refer and signpost an older person to other organisations and agencies that may support their health and well-being
- Encourage older people to attend social groups e.g. coffee mornings or one-off events, accompanying them to improve their self confidence
- Any other reasonable activities aimed at enhancing an older person’s quality of life e.g. a walk to a shop, visit a park
- Complete and return monthly visit sheets and feed back to the Counselling/Befriending Service Manager

**You will not be required to provide personal care (e.g. feeding, washing) or give direct medical advice or medication to clients.**

**What knowledge do I need?**

As a Befriender, it would be beneficial (but not essential) for you to:

- Experience of Older people’s issues
- Have experience or some knowledge of transitional life events e.g. retirement, divorce, ill-health
- Understand how life events can impact on physical and mental health/wellbeing
- Be willing to find out about local services and how to support individuals to use them

**What skills do I need?**

As a Befriender, we ask that you:

- A passion to make a difference to people’s lives
- Have good listening and communication skills
- Have an interest in and empathy/compassion for older people
- Ability to provide non-judgemental support and encouragement to people who struggle with memory or illness
- Are able to respect confidentiality even in difficult situations
- Are honest, reliable, committed with a flexible approach to meet clients’ needs
- A full/clean driving licence

**What can I gain from this role?**
- A greater awareness of services and activities in your local area
- Be part of a great team within Age Uk Manchester
- Training and support in areas such as active listening, understanding the barriers to social isolation and appropriate signposting
- Opportunity to meet new people and use and develop your skills

**Training You will receive**

Full training and support to help you to improve your confidence and understanding for this role. You will be required to complete mandatory training/Induction before you begin your role. This will cover areas such as boundaries, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

**Support**

You will be supported by the Counselling/Befriending Services Manager who will ensure that your training and development needs are met, and provide ongoing support as needed.

**Expenses**

Please note an enhanced DBS will be required and completed by Age Uk Manchester prior to starting.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: £12.60 per hour

Expected hours: 16 per week

**Benefits**:

- Referral programme
- Store discount

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 21/03/2025
Reference ID: BefrAUK25
Expected start date: 01/04/2025



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