This is an opportunity to give time to people.
Volunteers will visit people of all ages in their own homes, listening, befriending, assessing their circumstances and reporting findings back to the Welfare Office in writing, observing strict confidentiality at all times. You will be a given a caseload to suit you, for you to manage within our guidelines. Volunteers will initially carry out visits with one of BEN’s Welfare staff; support will always be available by telephone once making visits on your own.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supporting people in their homes and making telephone contact
- Report writing to Welfare Officer
- Some form filling
Applicant requirements:
- Must be able to travel to peoples’ homes
- Valid driving licence and access to a car
- Good listening and empathy skills
- Non-judgemental and patient attitude is imperative
- Ability to build a rapport with people of all ages and backgrounds
- Be able to volunteer independently
- An interest in welfare rights and social issues
Benefits to Volunteer:
- An opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of individuals in need. This highly flexible role allows you to manage your BEN duties around your other activities and responsibilities.
Time Commitment:
- Flexible but within limits deemed acceptable by the Welfare Officer
- We would hope for a commitment of at least 2 years
- You can give as much or as little time as you want to.
- We let you make the arrangements for the visits to suit you and
the beneficiaries
Training:
- Full training and support from the BENfriend Co-ordinator and Welfare Officer
- This will include visiting and listening skills.
- POVA (protection of vulnerable adults) training
- Basic benefits training
- Annual Area Training Day. This is a good opportunity to meet up with our other volunteers and will update you on many aspects of support, information and advice.
Reimbursement of Expenses:
- Travel: 45p per mile
- Out of pocket expenses for stamps and stationary
Location:
Within reasonable travel distance to yourself but we are looking for BEN Friends in the following areas: Cornwall, Aberystwyth, Wrexham, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Preston and Blackpool.
If you are interested in this role, please email volunteers@tpp.co.uk quoting reference EL031.