Mental Health Befriending

We are currently welcoming new Mental Health Befriending volunteers to our Combat Isolation service. If you are a good listener, enjoy meeting and talking to new people and have a couple of hours to spare each week then this role is for you.

The Combat Isolation service assists anyone over 50 with a mental health diagnosis, who is experiencing loneliness and/or social isolation. The service offers companionship and support to inprove confidence to connect with the local community as well as living well with their mental health condition. Volunteers meet clients at their home across Liverpool, Sefton and Kirkby and can undertake a variety of activities such as going shopping, taking a walk or just simply meeting for a chat. We carefully match volunteers and clients based on mutual interests, hobbies and your preferences to ensure a lasting friendship.

Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton offer training and support throughout your time with us. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, build confidence and enhance your CV whilst making an important contribution to your local community.

Details of The Role                                  

*this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and 2 satisfactory references*

Post Title:            Volunteer Befriender

Location:             Home visits or out and about

Hours:                  Minimum commitment of 1-2 hours per week, for a minimum period of 18 months 

Purpose:            To offer companionship and emotional support to those living with a mental health condition who are lonely and isolated.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Visiting and maintaining regular contact with the office and your client(s)  including the arranging of ongoing mutually convenient appointments, whilst ensuring that all information relating to their clients is kept safe and secure.

• Undertake risk assessments in the client’s home and for related activities where possible and appropriate.

• Advise the Combat Isolation team when further support is required.

• To be flexible and reliable when delivering the service.

• Report a failure to gain access or refusal of service by clients to the Team Leader promptly.

• Report any concerns regarding clients, the clients’ home or any discrepancies to the Team Leader promptly to allow action to be taken.

• Attend meetings and provide feedback on each client’s progress.

• Ensure that records and other information relating to clients are kept confidential, and in a safe and secure place.

• Comply with all safety systems and procedures set out by the Operational Manager are adhered to at all times.

• Maintains a client’s dignity, choice & control at all times and advise the Combat Isolation team of any safeguarding concerns.

• Respect the client’s individuality, equality and diversity, providing a service sensitive to these needs.

• To act professionally and treat clients with respect and care.

• Identification badge must be worn at all times whilst on Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton business.

• Adhere to Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton procedures all times.

Person Specification

• Some knowledge and/or experience of mental health or in a mental health setting

• Good listening and communication skills

• Caring, patient, non-judgemental and sensitive manner

• Reliable, dependable and flexible

• Understanding of data protection and confidentiality

• Have positive outlook and enthusiastic

How will you be supported in your role?

• You will be supported by the Combat Isolation team and you will also receive one to one and group based support

• You will receive relevant training and induction for the role

• Travel expenses to and from the client’s home

Benefits to you as volunteer

• Enhance CV
• Learn new skills
• Meet new people
• Build confidence and self esteem
• Give back to local community

For more information or if you have any questions, please email the Combat Isolation Team Leader: holly.mannion@ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk