Active Befriending 'Walk and Talk' Volunteer
Age UK Somerset
| Name: | Active Befriending 'Walk and Talk' Volunteer |
| Organisation: | Age UK Somerset |
| Location: | |
| Type: |
Part Time
This volunteering role involves taking the client out for a ‘walk and talk’ once a week for 16 weeks (weather dependent). Volunteers tend to spend about 1 hour on each visit. Our Active Befriending Volunteers make their own arrangements with their clients for when the walks will take place.
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Description
We are looking for friendly people in North Somerset (and Somerset) who would enjoy going out for a short 'walk and talk' with an older person once a week.
This role involves joining an older person for a gentle walk and chat once a week, for 16 weeks initially.
The aim of this role is to help reduce loneliness and feelings of isolation, build confidence and improve the physical and mental well-being of your client by providing good company and the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being out in the open air.
The Active Befriending service is free and very popular so we are always desperate for new Volunteers to join the team. Full training is given. The key requirement for volunteers in this role is that they enjoy talking and listening.
Request Organisation Contact Details
Organisation Description
Age UK Somerset exists to make life better for older people in Somerset and North Somerset.
There is much to celebrate about getting older, but our later years can also prove challenging: loss of confidence, lack of mobility, financial pressures and suffering from loneliness and isolation are just some of the issues our local older people face.
We offer a wide range of popular and well-used services and activities specifically developed to meet the needs of the over 60s and we need Volunteers to help us run them. These include our Active Befriending service, Friendly Phone Calls, Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ‘Memory Connections’ groups, Information and Advice service and lots of fun Ageing Well activity sessions. These services can not be provided without the support of our wonderful Volunteers.
NOW more than ever WE NEED YOUR HELP….These services can only continue with the support of people like you.
As a Volunteer, whatever time you can afford to give and whichever of our many roles you decide suits you the best, your contribution will be helping more older people to enjoy a happier and healthier later life.
When
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Cause / Interests
- Elderly
- Health and Hospital and Hospices
- Sport and Outdoor Activities
Types of Activity
- Befriending and Buddying
- Community Work
Skills and Qualifications
Requirements
This role would suit someone who would like to help older people in their community, can spare an hour a week and who enjoys talking and listening.
A high level of fitness is not required as the walks are not strenuous but a good level of mobility is necessary.
References and a DBS check are necessary in this role.
Benefits
• Interesting conversations
• Connecting with the local area
• Staying active
• Meet new people
• Feel happier
• Sense of belonging
• Improved Self-esteem
• Increase in confidence
• Sense of Purpose
• Sense of Achievement
• Feel Less Lonely
• Improved Social Skills
• New Friendships
Additional/Specific Suitabilities
| Minimum Age: | 18 | |
| Maximum Age: | NA | |
| Disabled Access: | Yes | |
| Wheelchair Access: | Yes | |
| Expenses: | Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed | |
| Restrictions: | NA | |
| Induction: | General charity induction session (lasts 1 hour) | |
| Insurance Cover: | You will be covered by our insurance while volunteering. If you are driving to your volunteering role you must inform your car insurer. | |
| Special Needs: | Dependent on need | |
| Offer: | Full support from the charity’s staff. | |
| Training: | A short training session about Active Befriending. | |
| Other: | NA |
Recruitment Method
Application form, DBS Check, References