Older People

Volunteer Role Description

Volunteer role:

Home-based Telephone Befriender

Goals:

To help enhance the quality of life for older people in the

community by reducing social isolation.

Suggested tasks:

• Communicate on a regular basis with older people in

the community via telephone 

• Provide friendship, support

It would be good if you:

• Are sensitive and empathetic towards other people

• Have a positive attitude

• Are open-minded and non-judgemental

• Can listen actively

• Are aware of issues affecting older people

Training/learning needed:

Induction training and an online training session is offered to all volunteers and covers listening skills, referral and self care.

Time:

Weekly or fortnightly contact with service user by telephone or letter

Location:

Across Northern Ireland in each of the five Health and Social Care Trust Areas

Support and supervision:

You will be given ongoing support and you will be able to discuss any issues that concern you at any time.

As a volunteer you will:

• Have the satisfaction of helping older people 
• Get regular one-to-one support from Age Concern
• Receive training and learn new skills
• Build new friendships with other volunteers
• Have the opportunity to try other volunteering roles within Age Concern
• Have all expenses incurred as a result of your volunteering reimbursed