Purpose:

The purpose of a Befriender volunteer is to provide support to individuals who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation and encourage engagement in activities within their local community.

Accountable to: Stability Manager

Role & Responsibilities: The role will primarily work on an outreach basis supporting individuals within their home and local community, to offer regular support, conversation, and encouragement to develop interests and positive relationships.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Establish and build trusting and supportive relationships with the people they are befriending.

• Spending regular time with people they are befriending by: offering a listening ear, and engaging in meaningful conversations.

• Motivate and encourage individuals to achieve their goals.

• Provide assistance to individuals in finding local resources, services, and activities that may be of interest or benefit to them.

• Work collaboratively with the Stability Team, to communicate individuals progression/regression/safeguarding alerts.

• Recording interactions with individuals, noting strengths, concerns or issues that arise.

• Inform the Stability Manager managers of incidents and behaviour that contravene the organisation’s Code of Conduct.

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures.

Skills & Qualities:

• Friendly and approachable demeanour.

• Strong listening skills.

• Patient and empathic.

• Reliable and punctual.

• Flexible