Check in and Chat Volunteer / Telephone Befriending

As people get older, some may find they spend more time on their own. This can sometimes feel lonely, isolating, boring and lacking in social interaction.

As a Check in and Chat – Telephone Befriending volunteer you can make a difference to the wellbeing of an older person's life with a weekly chat.

Our volunteer Check in and Chat - Telephone Befriending service is for older people so they can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, all from the comfort of their home with a weekly 20-30-minute chat (conversation length can vary) at a time which suits both volunteer and the older person. You will be matched with a person who has similar interests to you by our Staff Coordinator.

Hours: 20-30 minutes a week at your convenience at an agreed time with your elderly telephone friend

Supported by: Check in and Chat Befriending Coordinator

Location: Surrey older people and volunteers can be from Surrey or other counties.

Main Duties:

• Donating your time for a 20-30-minute personal call from your home phone or your mobile at a mutually agreed day and time each week
• Being kind and respectful to your telephone friend
• A commitment to volunteering with us for a minimum of 6 months is ideal
• Agreeing to our volunteer terms and conditions.

Personal Qualities:

• You enjoy a good phone call and happy to take time each week to check and have a chat
• You have patience, empathy and understanding of older people
• Are respectful and aware some older people have mild dementia / forgetfulness.

What skills do I need?

Skills:

• Excellent listening skills
• Have empathy for older people
• Be aware of some older people having hearing impairments
• The ability to value and respect others’ opinions and beliefs and to tolerate views different to your own
• To support and perhaps improve confidence of older people.

References/ID: The role requires two personal references which we will contact your Referee’s via email. We will register you for a DBS, at no cost to you with our secure online provider. All volunteers need to be age 18 or over.