Volunteer Scotland

Coronavirus volunteering

Telephone Befriender for people with sight loss

  • VO83925
  • Home-based volunteering

Description

Around two thirds of sight impaired people have experienced loneliness because of their sight loss.

seescape, have adapted their services in response to COVID-19, so people are still supported. Volunteer telephone befrienders have received training and are now contacting seescape clients on a regular basis to have a conversation, get to know them and offer moral support. This is so important and helps to prevent loneliness and isolation, which can lead to other health issues including mental health problems. However, there are still people waiting or a telephone befriender, so we require new volunteers who can offer a small amount of their time each week to call clients.

Organisation aims and objectives

Providing support to people in Fife with sight impairment

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

1 hour per week

Restrictions

none
Experience required: Ability to download and listen to 3 short videos and read/complete necessary supporting materials/agreements. Willingness to engage in on the telephone, email and/or online with live virtual meetings (done via Zoom). Ability to have a conversation and offering social companionship on the telephone. Report back to the Coordinator on how this is going, and issues raised. Reflecting on own needs and requirements and informing the Coordinator of what these are. Good all-round communication
Travel details: Volunteers can telephone their befriendee in the comfort of their own home, so no travelling is required. A telephone call makes a huge difference to seescape clients, and there is the option once to increase frequency depending on the agreement of those involved. Time commitment: 15-20 minutes per week, potentially increasing to longer or more frequent telephone calls eventually depending on what is agreed. Face to face befriending has been suspended due to COVID-19 but if you are interested in moving onto this when it’s safe to set up this will also be discussed at the start.
Minimum age: 16

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: We pay public transport rates and 45p a mile reimbursement available if taking befriendee in volunteers’ car (subject to insurance, MOT and Tax checks).
Taster details: Induction training, during COVID-19 consists of 3 short videos, with support materials and agreement to be signed off before volunteering. Regular ‘Reflect and Review’ support sessions arranged with individual volunteers and Coordinator. Opportunities to meet with other seescape staff and volunteers via online meetings and other events. Sighted Guide training once social distancing ends.
Training details: Induction training, during COVID-19 consists of 3 short videos, with support materials and agreement to be signed off before volunteering.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer

Report this opportunity
Last updated 3 months ago

Please note, organisations are currently experiencing a large volume of enquiries from people looking to help out. They may not always be able to meet this demand so please be patient, you may not receive a quick response or be assigned to a role.

Find out more about Seescape
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite
Similar opportunities

Older People Volunteer Befrienders

Hand of Solace is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organization working with isolated/lonely elders and young people by offering direct services and support , all designed to help people make the most of life. We have a range of exciting volunteer opportunities to assist in this and would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining our great volunteer team. This includes assisting with our Older People Volunteer Befriending Service. Our Older People Volunteer Befrienders are matched on a 1:1 basis with an older person aged 50 and above within the North areas of Aberdeen(including-Stoneywood, Bucksburn, Dyce, Seaton, Northfield and Bridge of Don).Volunteer befrienders visit their befriendees once a week to spend quality time(2-3 hours) with them (which may include support with accessing /attending local activities ) to reduce loneliness and isolation. We’ll give you all the training and support you need to do your role. All help will make a difference and be greatly appreciated. Application forms may be accessed by filling out our volunteers interest form which may be found in our website at https://www.handofsolace.co.uk/apply-to-volunteer-with-us or by requesting through our email- info@handofsolace.co.uk , or by phoning the contact number- 07378432436.
Find out more
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite

Befriender / Peer Befriender

A good befriending relationship can be as beneficial for the befriender and the befriendee. It is the need of everyone to have company and companionship in our life. If you can spare 2 hours per week to be a volunteer Companion/befriender, supporting older people in Dundee then please read on. There are many older people with limited family support, wanting social contact. This could be someone to talk to; share a joke or gossip with; share hobbies or interests; go for a walk; visit a local café. We are looking for volunteers, both male and female, who are friendly and tolerant with good communication skills and the ability to listen to others. A creative person who can come up with interesting ideas to overcome barriers, for example physical disability, reduced verbal communication skills, or the onset of dementia. Make a difference to somebodies life.
Find out more
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite

Community Connector

At present the Connect Project is running as a Telephone/Online Befriending Service. Volunteers provide company and conversation to help a person feel less isolated and part of their wider community. This role involves making contact via telephone or video conference with a person to whom you have been matched on an agreed regular pattern. Key aspects of the role are to provide company and emotional support through conversation and information about other support services as necessary. You will be expected to stay connected with Volunteer Midlothian and feedback any concerns that may need addressing. A little human contact and conversation, makes the world of difference to an isolated person.
Find out more
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite

Community Companion

We need you! If you enjoy having a chat, trying new things and developing your skills then this is the opportunity for you. Older adults (55+) in Dundee can become lonely and isolated through no fault of their own and that’s where Community Companions come in. Two hours a week can make such a difference to an isolated older person. Whether it’s out and about or visiting someone in their home this can be at a time that suits you. Volunteers are matched with people based on similar interests and hobbies. Full and ongoing training and support will be given to help you develop your skills and knowledge. Becoming a Community Companion not only improves other’s wellbeing but also your own. You’re never too old to be a volunteer! If you have what it takes to make a difference get in touch we want to hear from you!
Find out more
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite