Telephone Befriending Volunteer

Farleigh Hospice provides hospice care to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement across Mid-Essex. Our team at Farleigh has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community we serve and we are currently looking for volunteers to join our new ‘Farleigh Helpers’ service.

Farleigh Helpers is a brand new online and telephone support and befriending service which will be based from home and supported by volunteers.  The service will provide support to patients, families and clients known to Farleigh as well as helping others in the community who may be ill, lonely, isolated or bereaved.

We are looking for kind and caring volunteers who are good listeners, IT savvy and want to make a positive difference to people’s lives in the local community.

 You can carry out this role from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you – we just ask for a minimum commitment of one morning or afternoon (approximately 4 hours) per week between the service hours of 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday - Friday.

KEY TASKS 

• Offer a listening ear and informal support conversations
• Provide basic guidance, information and signposting to the appropriate resources
• Use a database system to log and schedule weekly calls
• Liaise with volunteer team managers and provide open feedback
• Identify and report any potential safeguarding concerns
• Attend regular support sessions via Microsoft Teams and face to face where required (up to 6 x per year)
• Attend additional training sessions as and when required

What skills do I need?

• Patient, reliable and understanding
• Very good IT skills with the ability to work from home independently using several computer systems (Office 365, online telephone system and database)
• A good listener
• Friendly
• Keen to help others in the community
• Effective oral/written communication, interpersonal skills
• Ability to work accurately and with attention to detail
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service

Interests

• Health and Social Care
• Mental Health
• Older People

Activities

• Advice and Information
• Supporting Charities
• Supporting People and Befriending