The Forget-Me-Not Service (telephone befriending) is a volunteer-based
scheme for older people who are isolated. In addition to providing companionship, it also acts
as a welfare monitoring service.
The Telephone Befriender volunteer
Plays a vital role in providing emotional support, companionship, and a friendly voice to individuals who may
feel isolated or lonely.
This service aims to improve the well-being of clients by offering a
regular phone call to check in, engage in meaningful conversation, and provide a sense of
connection.
Volunteers will act as a friendly, non-judgmental listener and provide a positive,
caring interaction for people who may be struggling with loneliness, mobility issues, or other
challenges.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- Make regular phone calls to assigned clients, ensuring to follow the schedule agreed upon.
- Engage in friendly, supportive conversations, offering a listening ear and emotional
support as needed. - Build rapport and trust with clients, providing a consistent, caring presence.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of clients at all times.
- Ensure that any concerns, safeguarding issues, or welfare concerns are promptly
reported to the appropriate supervisor. - Follow guidance provided by the organisation on how to manage and handle
conversations and address specific needs of clients. - Record relevant information about each call in accordance with the organisation’s
protocols. - Participate in training and meetings as required to ensure a high level of service delivery.
- Adhere to the organisation’s policies and procedures, including safeguarding and confidentiality policies.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Make a meaningful difference in the life of someone experiencing isolation or
emotional challenges. - Develop skills in communication, companionship, and supporting vulnerable
individuals. - Gain experience in community outreach, care, and support roles.
- Enhance your personal growth and sense of fulfilment through helping others.
- Ongoing training and support from the organisation.
What skills do I need?
Skills, attributes, experience and qualifications
- Empathy, kindness, and a good listener.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Patience and understanding of individuals who may have specific needs or concerns.
- Ability to maintain boundaries and respect confidentiality.
- No formal experience is necessary, but previous experience in customer service,
social care, or working with vulnerable individuals would be an advantage. - A positive, friendly attitude and a commitment to providing emotional support.
- Compassionate, caring, and non-judgmental.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Respectful of diversity and inclusive.
- Comfortable using the telephone and technology to maintain contact
- Need to be 18+
When do I need to be available?
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Details
Service starts at 9.30am with calls made from our offices in Ilford, we are flexible with start times but the service ends midday. We are looking for people who can initially help on an ad hoc basis filling in for absences, holidays, illness etc and then graduate to a set day with a regular client list to call.
Where does this role take place?
