Befriender

Action Ability Belfast

Action Ability Belfast to promote inclusion of people with disabilities into the social, economic, and cultural life of the Belfast Community.

FUNCTION

The Befriender role is to meet with and befriend isolated people with disabilities and to spend a minimum of 3 hours per week on average with each person matched to them. The aim of the role is to improve self confidence and remove/reduce barriers so that people are included in their community. Talking to people and forming relationships of trust and friendship are important aspects of this work.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To meet with those people referred to the service who could benefit from the Befriending.
2. To spend a minimum of 3 hours on average per week with each person matched with you and to undertake any social activity chosen by the person which will build their confidence and increase their social inclusion.
3. To accompany a person with disabilities on outings or activities either individually or in groups as and when required.
4. Communicate effectively and sensitively with people with disabilities on a one-to-one basis and in groups.
5. To maintain absolute integrity and confidentiality in relation to personal issues raised by befriending service users