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Older People Befriender

  • VO91366

Description

The Food Train operates throughout Scotland, supporting older people in local communities to remain living in their own home, as independently as possible.

If you like chatting, meeting people and getting out and about this could be the role for you! Our volunteer befrienders take part in home visits, one on one excursions and sometimes group trips. We have a large number of older people in Falkirk experiencing loneliness and isolation who would love the companionship of another person who can visit on a regular basis.

The role involves:

  • Visiting an older person in their own home to spend time chatting, listening and discussing various topics; playing a game; doing a puzzle; cooking... Whatever interests you both! We will always try to match you with someone we think you would be compatible with.
  • There's always the option to go out on walks or outings.
  • Visits will be arranged in advance and may be at a regular time every day/week/fortnight.
  • We ask that you update staff after visits and complete monitoring and reviewing requirements.
  • Informing staff of any concerns, accidents, incidents or complaints.
  • There's always the option to attend volunteer meetings, training and social events throughout the year.

Organisation aims and objectives

Food Train Connects is a registered charity, voluntary organisation and social enterprise. Since 1995 Food Train Connects has been making daily life easier for older people, providing vital services to those who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability. Food Train Connects makes hundreds of grocery deliveries every week, ensuring those most in need have access to fresh groceries. Teams of dedicated local volunteers across the regions also go that extra mile by helping with household jobs, delivering books through our library service and providing much needed friendly social contact and meals through our Meal Makers and befriending services.

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Frequency and commitment details

We ask for a commitment of two hours per fortnight, though time and location are flexible.

Restrictions

Experience required: There are no formal educational or experience requirements but you must be reliable and a good communicator with a sense of humour. An awareness and understanding of the needs of older people and the difficulties they may face living at home whilst ageing would be beneficial.
Travel details: Around the Falkirk area.
Minimum age: 16

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: 45p per mile reimbursed for travel expenses.
Training details: Induction training including safeguarding. Support from Food Train staff and other volunteers.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet

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