Your role as the Telephone Befriender is to engage in conversation with a client over the phone, building a rapport and engaging with them on a weekly basis (note: some befriending matches require more than one call per week). Most of the referrals come from our partners and other agencies but some are self-referrals. All referrals are due to the client being lonely and feeling isolated. It should be noted, that does not necessarily mean they are an older person living on their own. Some referrals are for younger adults who may live in a ‘busy’ household. As a Befriender your co-ordinator will match you to a suitable client. This will be done after finding out more about both yourself and the client to see if there are similarities in personality, hobbies etc. It will not be done purely on age – often the perfect match is with different generations. Your role will be to chat to the client, using your own phone from your own home. You will be required to actively engage and encourage conversation – sometimes this needs to be led by you, the volunteer, as there could be barriers with the clients such as: confidence, disability, speech issues etc. The Telephone Befriender will not be expected to offer advice or to ‘counsel’ the client – you are simply someone to have a chat to and be a listening ear – something for the client to look forward to each week. Befrienders should give minimal personal details about themselves and should never ‘off-load’ their own issues to a client. Your coordinator will always be there to deal with any concerns you have about any of your matches. VASA induction training will be given and guidelines issued around safety protocols for volunteers and clients. Workshops will be available from time to time to cover areas of interest around Befriending. A PVG check will be carried out prior to commencement as a befriender. It should be noted that this role does not include any face-to-face befriending and no volunteer should arrange to meet with a client. Post COVID, if a one-to-one, face-to-face service was developed, appropriate training would be given then if deemed applicable. DUTIES: The role of the Telephone Befriender will be as follows: • To offer friendship and encouragement, via a telephone call, to a client who is isolated and lonely. • To provide a listening ear. • To facilitate conversation and engage with clients. • To build up a relationship with the befriendee, giving them something to look forward to on a weekly basis. • To commit to a minimum of 20min per week to the service.

Isolation and Loneliness are on the rise especially with Older People in the Community. We are looking for kind and empathetic people to help befriend an Older Person. Could you help by just having a telephone conversation with someone, once a week? You are matched with an Older Person to have about an hour-long chat with someone once weekly or once fortnightly depending on availability. This role perfect for fitting around your schedule and lifestyle. We know a good chat can mean the world and can help the most isolated. All training is remote, and you are supported by our team in your role.

Are you looking for a fun-filled Tuesday afternoon? Are you aged 15 to 25? Ever thought of becoming a volunteer? We have an opportunity for you! We are looking for volunteers to spend time with residents of sheltered housing in Arbroath to have a cuppa, play bingo, board games, have laugh and much more! We are looking for people: • Aged 15 -25 • Free on Tuesday afternoons • Patience, understanding and good communication skills Your important impact: Two hour visit to provide activities to residents really can make such a positive difference to a person. By enrolling to become a Volunteer Intergenerational Befriender, you are playing a vital role in reducing social isolation and loneliness within the Angus community and spreading a sense of fun. If you are interested in becoming a befriender, please get in touch.

We are looking for Telephone Befrienders to help out at the HOPE Project Office in Stevenston. This role requires the following: • Someone who likes a good chat and is able to encourage and stimulate an older person to express themselves and feel comfortable engaging in conversation • Inspiring enough confidence further down the line to allow for attendance at a social activity If you like the idea of working alongside older individuals and would enjoy this telephone service then this is the right opportunity for you.