Opportunity

It is difficult for older people to get out, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. 

PLEASE would you spare just one hour per week visiting an older person, or supporting them to attend a local group? 

Areas we currently require urgent support are: Bushmills, Ballintoy, Ballycastle, Armoy, Cushendall and Cushendun.  

Age NI is the leading charity for older people in Northern Ireland. Our vision is a where we can thrive as we age.  Our mission is to help people enjoy a better later life. Our society is ageing. More than 350,000 older people live in Northern Ireland, and there are more people over the age of 50 than under the age of 19. In the next twenty years, the number of people over 50 will increase by more than 30%. We believe that people should be supported to love later life.

Living Well Moyle enables people in local communities, especially those who are older or require support to remain independent, to live the lives they want.

Living Well Moyle operates in Ballycastle, Bushmills, Armoy, Cushendun and Cushendall

Living Well Moyle volunteers support local people with long-term health conditions to improve their wellbeing and increase their independence and social connectivity.

What will you be doing?

• You will be matched with a local person and will liaise directly with them to arrange meetings/visits
• Assist with service user led activities. It could be a game of golf, a trip to the hairdressers, a coffee and bun out or even just meeting them in their home!
• Establish, maintain and develop relationships
• Provide support and assistance
• Aim to reduce loneliness and isolation
• Signpost to community supports
• Work with individuals to maintain their levels of mobility and independence
• Keep brief records of the work you have been doing
• Report back to the Living Well Moyle Coordinator

Skills Required:

• Reliable, friendly and approachable
• Ability to build trusting and supportive relationships
• Excellent communication and active listening skills
• Empathetic and sensitive approach
• Ability to work independently, using your own initiative but knowing when to ask for help
• Organisational and time management skills
• Ability to adhere to GDPR procedures/maintain confidentiality

The role is very flexible and can be tailored to suit you and your service user.

You could be meeting your service user in their home or out in the community depending on what you have planned for the visit!

You will be supported by Age NI throughout with:

• A thorough induction and ongoing training
• A central point of contact (Living Well Moyle Coordinator)

• 3 monthly supervisions and ongoing support
• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed

What will you gain?

• Fulfilment – feel good about making a positive, life changing difference
• Learn new skills
• Gain social interaction and a chance to develop friendships
• Gain knowledge on available services and activities
• Boost your CV and increase your employability

Additional Information:

• This role is only suitable for those 18 and over
• This role requires an informal interview, Enhanced Access NI check (free of charge) and 2 satisfactory references

To register or for more information, please contact the Living Well Moyle Co-ordinators based in Ballycastle on 07816 317 735 (Anne) or 07435 968 376 (Sandra) or by email volunteering@ageni.org 

Volunteer for Age NI (office.com)