South Derbyshire CVS

Connect Befriender

To support vulnerable adults in South Derbyshire who are socially isolated or lonely.
Volunteers provide confidential, one to one support via home visiting or telephone; helping to reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation and improve wellbeing.

Location

South Derbyshire

Is the location accessible for those with physical disabilities or limited mobility?

Yes

Is the location accessible by public transport?

Yes

When?

A commitment to a specific timeframe will be agreed when being matched with a service user and reviewed at 1:1’s.
We ask volunteers to commit to:
• Approximately 1.5 hour per week for home visiting
• Approximately 30 minutes per week for telephone support

Could this role be carried out virtually or through a hybrid volunteering model?

Yes

Is a criminal record check (DBS) required for this role?

Yes, BASIC

Is a driving license required?

No

Are expenses covered?

Where a volunteer needs to use their own car, SDCVS will pay mileage at a rate of 45p per mile. Reasonable Public Transport costs can be reimbursed - to be discussed and agreed in advance.

What will you be doing?

Provide regular contact as agreed with the matched service user via telephone or
home visits
Provide regular progress updates to the Befriending Coordinator regarding the support and wellbeing of the service user.
Report any changes to the wellbeing of the service user and any causes for concern.
Adhere to the befriending service guidelines, policies and procedures and agreed boundaries of the role.

What skills are required?

No specific qualifications or prior experience required. However, volunteers will:
• Have good listening and communication skills.
• Have empathy and understanding.
• Demonstrate reliability and commitment.
• Be respectful, non-judgemental, and committed to Equality & Diversity.
• Work within the agreed boundaries of the role.
• Understand and work within South Derbyshire CVS policies and procedures, including Confidentiality, Safeguarding, and Personal Safety.

Befriending Volunteers will be required to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (criminal record) check, paid for by SDCVS. A criminal record does not necessarily debar a person from volunteering. Each case will be considered on its merits, depending on the nature of the offence(s) committed and how long ago it took place.

Will training be given or available?

All volunteers will:
• Attend a mandatory induction session before beginning support
• Receive regular 1:1’s with the Befriending Coordinator
• Access ongoing training sessions to enhance the support provided by befriending
volunteers

Additional important information

For further information on this opportunity and more please complete this form:

https://forms.office.com/e/DyVQZA6DCT

Alternatively email volunteer@sdcvs.org.uk quoting the opportunity number stated below.

People Centred

Volunteer Opportunity No.

CVS-23-0102