Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow & Brent - Befriender Volunteer

You will meet the older person you are matched with for 1 to 2+ hours a week over a period of up to 6 months to support them in working towards their goals. Depending on their individual action plan, you may:

• Visit them at home: Provide a regular, supportive social connection while helping them identify steps to overcome isolation.

• Act as a Community Connector: Accompany them on short walks, meet in a local café, or help them access local social groups, libraries, or physical activities.

• Support Goal Setting: Gently encourage them to build positive, sustainable connections and regain independence after a life challenge (such as a bereavement, illness, or hospital stay).

• Manage Boundaries and Endings: Work with the client to understand the time-limited nature of the support and help them prepare for the end of the 6-month intervention.

• Keep Accurate Records: Keep track of the client's progress, take brief notes after each session, and share weekly updates with your Programme Coordinator.

We value our volunteers immensely and want to ensure you feel confident and safe in your role. You can expect:

• Comprehensive Training: A full induction and access to mandatory eLearning modules.

• Ongoing Supervision: Regular check-ins with your dedicated Programme Coordinator, plus access to volunteer meet-ups to share ideas and overcome barriers together.

• Clear Boundaries: A clearly defined voluntary role within the organisation with robust out-of-hours and emergency support procedures.

• Reimbursement: Agreed out-of-pocket expenses (such as local travel) will be fully reimbursed.

• References: We are happy to provide references for you after 6 months of active volunteering.

Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow & Brent involves volunteers in the delivery of our services and operations to help us reach as many older people in need of our services as possible. The time and talents volunteers offer play a vital role in the successful delivery of our charity’s mission.

What You Will Gain:

• Make a tangible difference: Experience the profound reward of helping an older person regain their independence and see the direct impact of your support.

• Enhance your CV: Gain valuable, hands-on experience in community support, active listening, and social care.

• Access training: Learn highly transferable skills, including practical goal-setting techniques.

• Join a supportive community: Meet like-minded people and become a valued part of a friendly, dedicated, and passionate team.

• Enjoy meaningful social interaction: Experience the fun and fulfilment of building a new connection, sharing stories, and getting out and about in your local community.

Time Commitment and Required Checks:

No formal experience is needed as full training is provided, but you will need to demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Empathy and Understanding: An awareness of the issues facing older people, particularly understanding loneliness, social isolation, and the impact of bereavement or loss.

• Excellent Communication: Good active listening skills and the ability to build a strong, trusting befriending relationship.

• A Motivating Attitude: Patience, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to confidence building and goal setting.

• Professionalism: A strict understanding of boundaries, confidentiality, lone working, and safeguarding procedures.

• Commitment to Inclusion: A commitment to equity, diversity, and treating all individuals with respect.