Befriender or Mentor Volunteer

Befriender Role:
A befriender can provide weekly support either in person or via telephone for 1 - 2 hours a week.
A befriender provides:
• Someone to talk to
• Help to get to know the local area
• Help to connect to other community groups
• Help to access local services/agencies
• Develop new hobbies
• Identify practical support needs
For example a befriender could meet a client for a coffee, accompany them to a new community group or activity and direct them to local amenities.

Mentor Role
A mentor could meet with a client on a regular basis or occasionally to:
• Provide goal focussed support
• Help to build confidence
• Increase employability and life skills
• Help to access local agencies
• Improve language skills
• Support with personal administrative tasks
For example, a mentor could help clients to join the library, access healthcare services, research education courses and complete forms.

What skills do I need?

Required Skills and Experience
● Understanding of, and commitment to the objectives of the Survivor Connect project / Together Free.
● A non-judgemental attitude and excellent listening and communication skills.
● To be friendly, reliable and patient.
● An ability to empathise as well as establish boundaries to avoid emotional over-involvement.
● To be enthusiastic and interested in helping someone to regain their confidence.
● An ability to research and plan local activities.
● We welcome applications, regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, age or religion or belief.
● Willingness to undertake a DBS check and supply 2 references.

Desirable Skills and Experience
● Experience of working with vulnerable communities.
● Understanding of safeguarding practice and the duty of confidentiality.
● Fluent in a language other than English.
● Experience of supporting individuals to make applications into education, volunteering and/or employment.
● Computer skills.
● Any special interests or hobbies you could share.

Skills and Experience to be gained by the Volunteer
● A better understanding of Modern Slavery in the UK and how it impacts our local community.
● A sense of fulfilment, reliable and regular contact can make a huge difference to survivor lives.
● Opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge through training.
● The chance to meet new people.
● Experience researching and planning local activities.

How We Support Our Volunteers
● Volunteers are valued members of our supportive and friendly team.
● Volunteers receive a comprehensive induction training programme, ongoing training and regular support.
● Volunteer roles are unpaid, but we can reimburse volunteers for agreed out-of-pocket expenses.

Interests

• Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Crime, Victims and Offenders
• Employment, Education and Training
• Health and Social Care
• Homeless and Housing
• Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender
• Mental Health
• Womens Issues

Activities

• Administration and Office
• Advice and Information
• Computers, IT and Websites
• Creativity
• General Helping
• Practical Skills
• Supporting Charities
• Supporting People and Befriending
• Teaching and Training
• Trusteeship and Committee Work