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 visit updates on our Charity Log system after each client visit 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 

We will refund you for any travel costs, the shortest distance in miles will only be paid if claiming mileage @ .40 per mile. (Google Maps shortest distance – postcode to postcode).

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