Description

As a call companion, you will make regular telephone calls to an older person experiencing loneliness and isolation. These calls provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated.

Over time, you and the older person you have been matched with will get to know each other well and together you will spend many hours full of fun, laughter and stories.

You will need one reference and to complete an ID check for this role.

Tasks include:
• Calling the older person you have been matched with two to four times per month at an agreed time.
• Following the guidance in your call companion training modules to ensure that your calls are enjoyable, appropriate and in line with our charitable aims.
• Keeping in regular contact with Re-engage.

This is a flexible, homebased voluntary role that can easily be fitted in around your own lifestyle and availability.

Call companions call the older person they are matched with between two and four times per month, and each call lasts around 30 minutes. During your first call with the older person, you will decide together how often the calls will take place and at what time.

This is a long-term voluntary role, so we are ideally looking for individuals who are able to commit to volunteering with us for at least 12 months.

Experience required: No experience necessary however we are looking for call companions with the following skills and attributes:
• Good conversation skills
• An enthusiasm for speaking on the phone and making connections remotely
• A friendly, empathetic approach
• The ability to really listen to people
• Patience
• A passion for improving the lives of lonely and isolated older people
• The ability to volunteer as part of a mutually supportive team of call companions
• Basic computer literacy (including the ability to use email)

Organisation aims and objectives

Re-engage is committed to older people being heard, valued and engaged. Our vision is a world where no one is ever too old to make friends and enjoy social interaction and our mission is to work within communities to end social isolation and loneliness in older people. WHAT WE DO? We exist to provide social connections for older people at a time in their lives when their social circles are diminishing. Our tea parties are monthly social groups open to people aged 75 and over. They are a chance for a change of scenery and regular afternoons of conversation and laughter with friends of all ages. Call companions is our telephone befriending service ensuring older people remain connected to the outside world. Call companions is available to anyone aged 75 and over who would benefit from a regular chat over the phone with a friendly volunteer. Our activity groups give those 75 and over the chance to participate in gentle exercise as they make connections with others. Community Christmas provides a free online directory of local festive events and activities taking place across the UK, which are open to local older people who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone. All our services are free to older people.

Availability

Restrictions

Experience required: An enthusiasm for speaking on the phone and making connections remotely, the ability to really listen to people, patience, a good sense of humour, a passion for improving the lives of lonely and isolated older people, the ability to volunteer as part of a mutually supportive team of call companions, basic computer literacy (including the ability to use email)
Travel details: This is a flexible, homebased voluntary role that can easily be fitted in around your own lifestyle and availability.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses details: No expenses paid.
Training details: As one of their valued call companions, you will receive training from Re-engage, and support and regular communications from your call companion coordinator. Online self-directed training
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer