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Telephone Friendship Volunteer

Ongoing

Virtual

The role in a nutshell:

As people get older, some may find they spend more time on their own. This can sometimes feel lonely, boring or make people miss friends or family. We offer free telephone friendship services for older people over 50 so they can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone at a regular time once a week, all from the comfort of their home. For many older people these chats are the highlight of their week. If you're over 18 and can give 30 minutes of your time every week to chat with an older person, volunteering with the Telephone Friendship Service could be right for you.

What will you be doing?

As a Telephone Friendship Service volunteer, you will be matched up with an older person with mutual interests for a weekly 30 minute call, to help combat loneliness and social isolation.

How would you be supported in this role?

You'll receive a Telephone Friendship Service Volunteer Handbook as well as online training to help you make your first call, get conversations going, develop your listening skills, stay safe. We will be there to support you throughout your entire volunteer journey with us, whenever you need us.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Friendship calls can make a massive difference to the happiness and wellbeing of an older person. It's a free, simple way to give something back through a weekly call to an older person. It can be a very rewarding experience and new friendships can be formed.

Additional information:

Waiting times to start calls can vary, as we try to find you the best match possible based on shared interests and availability. We connect your call automatically, meaning no personal details are shared. We ask you not to share any other personal details including social media accounts with your telephone friend nor meet them in person, for safeguarding purposes.
Please note: This role is not available to apply for within the Volunteering Hub, and you will be directed to the Telephone Friendship Service website to complete your application.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We are looking for people who have excellent listening skills but who also like a good chat. If you think you can strike up a friendship easily over the phone, this volunteer role is for you. You’ll need to show your telephone friend respect, patience, empathy and understanding.

To find out more please contact: