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Befriender - East Kilbride area

  • VO88600

Description

A befriender will be matched with an older person (50 and over) in their area that is isolated or lonely. They will spend time with them offering companionship to build their confidence and link them back into social activities. Many of our clients have very few visitors or people to go and see them so our volunteers spend time with someone whether through a cuppa and a chat in the clients home or a walk locally, with the hope that the volunteer will improve wellbeing, alleviate loneliness and isolation. We also run local friendship groups that the client can be linked into if able to get out and about.

Some of the skills we look for in a volunteer are: An empathy with older people; reliable and trustworthy; being sensitive and supportive; flexible; Having a few hours spare each week; Being friendly; Being interested in people.

Organisation aims and objectives

L.E.A.P. was established in 1992 by a group of older people from Cambuslang, who identified a need for learning and leisure activities for local people aged 50 and over. The organisation continues with its original initiative and now provides services across 9 communities within South Lanarkshire which include: Learning and leisure classes, a befriending service, a handyperson services and our new dementia service.

Availability

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2 hours per week. Minimum Commitment: 6 months. (Monday – Friday 9am - 4:30pm) - Flexible to suit.

Frequency and commitment details

2 hours per week. Minimum Commitment: 6 months. (Monday ? Friday 9am - 4:30pm) - Flexible to suit.

Restrictions

No Gender Restriction, Disclosure Check (PVG) & References will be required.
Experience required: No Expertise, Caring,Good Communicator,Good Listener,Open minded,Patient,Reliable / Dependable,Sociable,
Travel details: The opportunity takes place at multiple location across South Lanarkshire Yes East Kilbride
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Travel expenses are reimbursed (Monthly).
Taster available: Yes
Training details: All volunteers are given 2 befriending training sessions as well as ongoing training such as dementia awareness, mental health awareness and others throughout volunteering role.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer

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