Befriender

  • VO98024


Description

Who are we

Tayside Cancer Support offers the opportunity for anyone affected by cancer in Tayside and the surrounding are to receive emotional, social and practical support, either on an individual basis or in a group setting.

The charity has been in existence since July 1994, and is made up of an Executive Committee of voluntary Trustees, one part-time paid employee and approximately twenty volunteer befrienders plus other people who support our events. We work with cancer patients, their families, carers and friends. We do this alongside healthcare professionals and other charities and support groups to provide vital support and information.

Anyone can utilise our services who, either has cancer or is supporting someone on their cancer journey, e.g family or friends. They don’t need a specific referral, they can just get in touch. There are no costs associated with our services.

Our annual numbers in a story:

· Roughly 20 befrienders working with clients for around 30-40 hours a month.
· We spend around £1,000 a month on counselling and therapies for our clients, this is roughly 20 clients who are benefiting
· The Drop-in Café has had visits from around 50 people over the year.

Support we need

As we continue to raise our profile and support more clients living with cancer we need to ensure we have a fantastic pool of befrienders who are willing to give up their time to support those clients. When people are going through tough times, it can help to have a friendly, non-judgemental ear. A problem shared is a problem halved! We provide befriending support to those living with cancer throughout the Tayside and NE Fife area. This support is invaluable to those we support.

We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to become a befriender, here’s what’s involved:

· No experience necessary, all training and supervision is provided
· You can communicate with your client either on the phone or in person
· A good listening ear!

Organisation aims and objectives

Tayside Cancer Support offers the opportunity for anyone affected by cancer in Tayside and the surrounding area to receive emotional, social and practical support, either on an individual basis or in a group setting. The charity has been in existence since July 1994, and is made up of an Executive Committee of voluntary Trustees, one paid employee and approximately twenty volunteer befrienders. We work with cancer patients, their families, carers and friends. We do this alongside healthcare professionals and other charities and support groups to provide vital support and information.

Frequency and commitment details

The commitment is a minimum 1 hour a month.

Restrictions

Experience required: Passionate, reliable, available and flexible, maintain confidentiality, non-judgemental, helpful
Travel details: Around Tayside.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: All reasonable expenses covered.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer