Volunteer Telephone Befriender – UK Nationwide

MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life.

As a Volunteer Telephone Befriender, you'll help improve the quality of life for older people who are socially isolated and may feel lonely.

You'll call once a week to have a chat for about half an hour to help the person feel less isolated. You'll also encourage them to access services and facilities within their community.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• You'll spend time talking on the phone.
• You'll establish and build a friendly and open relationship whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• You'll ensure that the member's needs are put first within all communication, whilst respecting the members' privacy and independence.
• You'll maintain confidentiality, except in reporting back to the person that supports you, or in circumstances that will be discussed in your training.
• You'll undertake all training, or support meetings, as agreed with the person who supports you.
• You'll complete basic reporting and administrative tasks associated with the role. (e.g. Record of Calls).
• To be familiar with and to adhere MHA's Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role.

Benefits for you:

• Help improve the quality of life for older people
• Help reduce loneliness and isolation
• Support your community
• Keep socially active

Skills and qualities needed:

• Good communication and people skills
• Enthusiasm
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• Reliable and punctual
• Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A willingness to engage with training and development

Training, support, and requirements:

• You need to be aged 18 or over
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
• Ongoing support from a named contact

Times and Commitment:

• 30 minute call per week in the comfort of your own home. Days and times can be flexible.
• We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months

*Please note- we can only accept applications from volunteers who currently live in the UK*