Lancaster & Morecambe - Community Support Befriending

Community Support Befriending volunteers

This opportunity covers Carnforth, Bolton Le Sands

Overview

Why do we need Community Support Befrienders (CSB)?

To help tackle social isolation. The benefit of having a regular meeting with a CSB helps to increase the confidence, resilience and independence of the service user to achieve specified and agreed goals and objectives.

What would I need to do?

Companionship not practical assistance is required for this opportunity. Use your local knowledge of community services and groups and spend time listening to and supporting someone to engage with them.

What's in it for me?

By becoming a CSB you are accepting the opportunity that could mark the turning point in someone's life. Supported by training, the rewarding role of CSB offers an excellent opportunity for personal development by obtaining new skills and experiences as well as a chance to put something back into the community.

You must be willing to go through an induction process and relevant background checks; this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

 Tasks

• To regularly visit the individual on a 1: 1 basis either in their own home or a community setting.
• To regularly support the individual to achieve agreed positive goals to promote their independence - The role is unique to every individual's needs and circumstances
• To provide regular feedback on progress
• Volunteers must log their volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses where applicable via an on-line computer system
• To complete minimum level training e.g. Safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to role

 Qualities

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Commitment of 1-2 hours minimum per week / Flexible
• CSB do NOT support family or close friends
• Minimum commitment of 6 months is required
• Understanding of vulnerability
• It would be an advantage to have an awareness of key issues – alcohol, drug abuse, mental health etc.
• Ability to use basic ICT systems
• Be able to deal with difficult situations in a professional manner
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use own initiative
• Respect for equality and diversity

 Training will be provided where necessary and may be in the form of peer support, distance learning or trainer led. Volunteers must have completed the required training before any activity can be undertaken and may be asked to regularly refresh training where required.