Befriender
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
Dementia may take away our memory and our memories, but it cannot take away the good feeling provided by interaction with a fellow human being. On the 1st floor of our care home we have many people who are isolated through Dementia, can you instigate a conversation and bring people into a happier place through conversation? Stephen likes classical music, word games and crossword puzzles, would benefit from being is a small group. Rita used to be a beautician who had a passion for her job until she retired, she likes listening to frank Sinatra and loves a chat, though would need someone to instigate the conversation. Could you be the befriender to make their day? You will be Visiting an individual or a few individuals at Betty and Asher Loftus Centre homes. Engaging them with conversation. Treating what you see and hear as confidential and sensitive. Keeping your skills and knowledge up to date by taking part in relevant training offered by [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk].
What difference you will make
People live with dementia, may get confused, forgetful, scared, and need just a bit more understanding from others. Your support will ensure that the people you befriend have regular human contact, someone who understands them and can provide meaningful interaction.
What additional skills or experience you should have
- Good communication skills and willingness to use own initiative.
- Ability to confidently engage with a diverse range of people and enjoy helping others.
- A strong understanding of issues that affect people in later life.
- Reliability, consistency, and dependability.
- Good conversational and listening skills with a clear speaking voice.
- Patience, empathy and a non-judgemental attitude.
- The ability to work independently but also stay within the role’s boundaries – recognising what should and shouldn’t be done and when to seek advice or report concerns.
- A DBS check will take place for this role.
What training we will provide for you
Training is available so volunteers can carry out their roles to the highest professional standards, develop new skills, build confidence, make new friends and take on new and increasingly responsible tasks.
[Employer hidden] will provide the following training, essential for this role:
- Provide you with access to a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures.
- Provide Induction Training: Getting to know [Employer hidden], Communication & Disability Awareness, Boundaries & Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR.
- Dementia Pathway Training.
- Provide on the job induction.
What you will get out of volunteering for us
Without our volunteers, we simply couldn’t function. We absolutely depend on you. Whatever your age, disability, whether you are working, unemployed or retired, there are opportunities to help at [Employer hidden].
As well as helping others you’ll get the chance to develop skills, build confidence and make new friends.
- Enhance the lives of older people, making a real difference to the Jewish Community we support.
- Be part of a great team and make new friends.
- Build your confidence and develop transferable skills.
- Access to a comprehensive training programme designed for the social care environment.
- Gain valuable experience and enhance your CV
Our aim is to enable people to enjoy a first-class experience as volunteers, making the most of their skills to make an impact on the communities that [Employer hidden] serve.
Not sure which role suits you or need a little friendly help? Please contact Angie at [contact hidden] for London or Rebecca at [contact hidden] for Manchester.