Volunteer: Befriender, Dungannon

Where, when and how often?

You will need to commit an agreed number of hours each week or fortnight.  Usually this will be a few hours on the same day and at the same time.  Ideally you will be able to provide continuity over a minimum of six months.

How does the role make a difference?

Volunteer befrienders offer social contact to people with dementia or carers of people with dementia.  You will provide companionship either in their home or in their local community and help the person to take part in appropriate social and/or recreational activities.  Your involvement aims to help people to feel less isolated and feel part of an enjoyable social relationship.

What will I be doing?

• Visiting a person with dementia or a carer of a person with dementia on a regular basis (perhaps a few hours each week or fortnight) - local variations may apply
• Providing agreed opportunities to participate in social and recreational activities
• Building trust and companionship to enable the person with dementia or carer of  person with dementia to engage with activities in a safe and enjoyable environment
• Befriending the person with dementia or carer of person with dementia at home and/or in the local community depending on the activities agreed during the matching process
• Liaising with and reporting to the Befriending Manager on a regular basis including changes or concerns regarding the service user as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Maintaining accurate and legible records
• Following service standards, service specifications, service boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on the activity being carried out.

This role does not provide personal care.

Is this the role for me?

The role may be ideal for you if you:

• Know about, or are willing to learn about, dementia and its impact on people
• Have good verbal communication and listening skills, especially face-to-face
• Are happy to volunteer in isolation, yet understand you part of a team
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality, and can show this in practice
• Are prepared to undergo an induction into the role and attend necessary training and similar learning activities to help you in your role
• Are keen to provide a high standard of service
• Have literacy skills
• Have the ability to volunteer within service boundaries
• Are comfortable following policies, procedures and guidance
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people from all backgrounds with dignity
• Are comfortable in attending future support meetings

Befriending services can be provided face-to-face in a person's home or their local community, over the telephone or in a group setting.  Any local variations will be agreed with you before you start volunteering.

How will I be supported during my volunteering?

You will be supported by the Befriending Manager and/or a locally specified person. You will also receive one-to-one and/or group based support. Agreed out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel as per the Society's Policy.

Are you interested in this volunteering opportunity?

Please contact Rosario Mc Hugh, Volunteering Officer at [email protected] or ring 028 71 384570