The Volunteer Befriender helps residents at Glengowan Court, Claude Street, Larkhall who feel isolated or unable to get out very easily on their own by giving time on a one to one basis to help a person maintain social contact, provide companionship and reduce loneliness and social isolation. Volunteer befrienders build a positive relationship with an individual and visit them on a regular basis in their own flat. This could mean spending some time with a person for an hour or two every week/fortnight, we also encourage getting out and about for a coffee or short walk. Generally, befrienders are there to chat and get to know someone, have fun. Support the person to continue with existing interests, whilst encouraging them to embark on new activities. Volunteer duties:  Organising visits / trips out on a regular basis.  Support residents with their interests  Encourage residents to embark on new activities  Be a friend and have fun

We're looking for an adult volunteer who will provide a supportive friendship for a socially isolated young person aged between 8 and 18 who lives in South Ayrshire. Ideally this will involve meeting with their young person every couple of weeks for a few hours, spending time together accessing local activities. This includes: • Be matched on a 1:1 basis with a young person. • Go on regular outings and activities with the young person. • Have the opportunity to participate in group outings/activities and also volunteer support sessions. • Keeping in touch with the Project about the young person’s achievements / growth and activities, and to receive ongoing support from the Project. • Open minded as the Project works with young people from a wide variety of backgrounds. • Following training, to be able to have empathy and understanding of some of the issues encountered by young people referred to the Project. • Continuous focus on the needs of the young person who you are matched with. • Willing to participate in a broad range of activities mutually agreed with the young person. • To be a positive adult role model for the young person and, very importantly, to have FUN! • Have an awareness of and be able to adhere to the Project’s policies and procedures.

Who are we: AILN initially grew from a group of disabled people who wanted to see a change in the way that community care services were offered to people. When Direct Payments (DP) were first introduced in 2003, they were keen to promote this as an option for independent living. AILN have been providing high quality Self-Directed Support (SDS) advice and information to the people of Ayrshire for over 17 years. AILN is a peer-led, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee with charitable status. This is an exciting time to join AILN as a volunteer as we have been successful in securing 3 years of funding for a Dementia Befriending Service from the Community lottery fund. Our aim is to provide companionship to the person living with dementia and thus in turn provides respite for the unpaid carer. Purpose of the post • To provide 1-1 befriending companionship to people living with early-stage dementia. This will either be accompanying the befriendee on a walk, shopping trip, activity in the community, providing companionship in the persons home, playing scrabble etc or having a chat over the phone • To think and act responsibly and follow guidance or instructions relating to Health & Safety, equality, and diversity • To support the Befriending Coordinator by completing a feedback form after each visit with the befreindee Key duties and responsibilities: • Have a clear understanding of the aims and objectives of AILN services and activities • To successfully complete essential training for the post • Make regular weekly/fortnightly visits, telephone calls at an agreed time suitable to the person • Provide companionship and company to the person living with dementia. • Spend time chatting and getting to know the person, talking with about their current and past life experiences • Provide feedback to the Befriending Coordinator around the conversations and how the meet ups are going • Provide immediate feedback to the Coordinator or Service Manager on any issues or concerns that you become aware of Person Specification Essential Skills & Abilities: • Good telephone, verbal, and written communication skills • A good listener • Enjoy meeting new people and having conversations • Enjoy learning more about someone and their interests in their past and life history • Consistency and reliability • Understanding the need for confidentiality • Ability to work on own initiative • Empathic and understanding of the needs of those living with dementia and the demands/challenges faced by the unpaid carer. • Ability to communicate with people in a sensitive and person-centred manner, including people who require support, carers, other professionals, and members of the public • Must carry out duties of this role with due regard to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practice Desirable Experience: • Experience/knowledge of working/living with someone living dementia • Previous experience of volunteering • Hobbies/interest to share, discuss • As the project develops, the ability to work flexibly to suit the changing needs of the organisation i.e., weekend/evenings • I.T skills Other: Volunteers are advised to volunteer 2 hours a week (befriending time and filling in of feedback sheet). Befriending should be carried out by prior arrangement (volunteers able to choose hours flexibly, perhaps very occasional evening and/or weekends to suit the needs of the befriendee). What we provide: • Ongoing support, guidance, and regular supervision by the coordinator of the service • Receive formal recognition for your volunteering contribution and/or a reference which reflects positive contributions associated with your volunteering • Specialised role training to develop skills and confidence in the role • Reimbursement of agreed expenses directly related to the volunteering role • Access to the Scotland Wellbeing Hub www.wellbeinghub.scot • Feel valued, supported, and respected

Hanover is one of Scotland’s largest registered social landlords specialising in services for older people. We manage more than 5,000 properties and provide a range of other services including telecare community alarm monitoring and housing with care. We work closely with our customers to help people live independent, secure and fulfilling lives. The Volunteer Befriender helps residents who feel isolated or unable to get out very easily on their own by giving time on a one to one basis to help a person maintain social contact, provide companionship and reduce loneliness and social isolation. Volunteer befrienders build a positive relationship with an individual and visit them on a regular basis in their own flat. This could mean spending some time with a person for an hour or two every week/fortnight, we also encourage getting out and about for a coffee or short walk. Generally, befrienders are there to chat and get to know someone, have fun. Support the person to continue with existing interests, whilst encouraging them to embark on new activities. Volunteer duties:  Organising visits / trips out on a regular basis.  Support residents with their interests  Encourage residents to embark on new activities  Be a friend and have fun Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do We know that volunteering has many benefits for individuals who volunteer, the organisations to which they contribute and society as a whole. Loneliness has a profound impact on quality of life with serious implications for physical and mental health. We believe that every older person should have opportunities to make and maintain friends and connections so they can keep healthy and well balanced and enjoy life as much as possible – we believe that no-one should have no-one. Hanover (Scotland) wishes to assist our residents tackle social isolation as we believe that good physical and mental health, quality of life and the ability to live independently are closely linked. The many positives outcomes of volunteering mean that volunteering truly is social inclusion in action. Volunteers will: - Gain confidence: Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. - Make a difference: Volunteering can have a real and valuable effect on people, communities and society in general. - Meet people: Volunteering can help you meet different kinds of people and make new friends. - Be part of a community: Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family. - Have fun: Most volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it.