MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life. At Ryelands, we provide residential and residential dementia care for 50 residents.

As a Befriender you’ll be matched with a resident and visit them regularly at the care home to bring friendship, company, and a chance to chat. Some of our residents don’t have family or friends to visit therefore they can benefit from spending quality time with a Befriender. The visits may include doing activities, such as reading a newspaper or their favourite book, playing a board game or accompanying them for a walk in the garden.


Training, support, and requirements:

• You need to be aged 18 or over
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
• We will provide you with a full induction for the role. Inductions are delivered Monday-Friday 9am-5pm- two 3 hour sessions.
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role
• Ongoing support from a named contact

*Please note- we can only accept applications from volunteers who currently live in the UK*

Activities

Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring

 

Skills & Attributes

Language Skills, Communication Skills, Listening Skills

 

Skills Description

• Good communication and people skills • Enthusiasm • Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people • Reliable and punctual • Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality • A willingness to engage with training and development • A good understanding of your personal strengths and limitations