Description

Our volunteers offer informal companionship to people aged 65 and over in Berwickshire and Kelso.
Use your life experience and the skills you’ve picked up along the way to help older people in our community. You will get so much in return – new friendships, laughter and fun, greater self -confidence, renewed purpose, and energy. Volunteering can be a great addition to your CV.

There are lots of different ways you can get involved with BeFriend, you could:
• Visit a befriendee
• Become a telephone befriender
• Help with our group activities
• Provide transport to our group activities

Here’s what our volunteers say:
“Listening is a wonderful thing to be able to do for someone who needs to talk, it can change a person’s life.”

“It doesn’t feel like volunteering now! I just visit a friend every week to catch up.”

Benefits to volunteers:
The chance to give something back to your community. The chance to get to know your community. Better confidence.

Become part of our friendly team and help reduce loneliness and isolation.

Organisation aims and objectives

Berwickshire Housing Association builds and manages homes to rent to suit a range of lifestyles, personal needs and family sizes that people can afford. We do so in communities throughout Berwickshire and are ever keen to expand the number and choice of homes available. We are passionate about our role in providing individuals, couples and families with a home in which they can live their life to the full in a safe, comfortable and attractive setting. We are a not for profit charity so all our income goes towards providing services for the community, the upkeep of our tenants’ homes and building new homes. Our values: Our People are positive, ready to lead on new ideas and solutions, see the workplace as somewhere to value and stay focused on our exciting vision of “Creating Thriving Rural Communities”. Proud to put customers first. Open honest and caring. Embrace and drive change. Go that extra mile. Enjoy work and get more done Creating thriving rural communities.

Restrictions

Volunteers should be free to work with older adults who might be vulnerable.
Experience required: Volunteers should be: Friendly, patient and caring. Be able to talk to people. Be able to listen to people. Be able to turn up on time. Understand confidentiality. It would be useful if you have a car, but you do not have to.
Travel details: Where does it happen? Usually in the older people’s own homes.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Expenses are available for refreshments taken while volunteering.
Taster available: Yes
Training details: 2 half day induction sessions. Then dementia awareness and safeguarding training at a later date. Ongoing opportunities to attend other sessions.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer