About the Organisation
Volunteer Centre Sutton’s Wellbeing Support Project supports Sutton’s more senior residents who are experiencing loneliness. The service focuses on building trusted, friendly relationships between our service-users and volunteers to both improve emotional health and general wellbeing.
What you will be doing
You will be carefully matched with an older person who has been referred to the service who you will visit or call weekly, building a relationship of trust, warmth and friendship through relaxed conversation and companionship.
Where appropriate, you may also encourage and support the person to get out into the community and connect with local social or interest groups. You will identify and report back about any additional support needs, keeping in contact with your Wellbeing Support Coordinator to provide regular updates.
Volunteers are expected to uphold Volunteer Centre Sutton’s core principles, vision, culture and values, and to follow policies and procedures as set out in the volunteer handbook.
What's in it for you?
- Make a meaningful difference to the life of an older person experiencing loneliness.
- Gain valuable experience and training in community wellbeing, communication, safeguarding and the needs of older people.
- Enjoy a flexible volunteering role that fits around your other commitments.
- Receive ongoing support from the Wellbeing Support Team, including opportunities to attend further training, and networking events with like-minded volunteers.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.
What skills will you need?
- A positive attitude towards older people.
- A genuine desire to make a difference.
- A warm, friendly and patient manner.
- Good listening and communication skills.
- The ability to build trust while setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
- The ability to keep sensitive personal information confidential.
- Reliability and good timekeeping.
Due to the vulnerable nature of the people we support, you will need to undergo a vetting process, including an interview, and we will require two references. Further details will be discussed with you during recruitment.
What's the time commitment and where?
Time Commitment:
Volunteers will visit or call their matched person weekly. The exact day and time can be flexible and agreed between the volunteer, the person being supported and the coordinator. Average visit length is 1 hour.
Role Address:
Multiple locations across the London Borough of Sutton. Visits are encouraged where possible, but support can be offered over the phone in some circumstances.
How can I apply?
Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation. It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below.
By completing this form you agree for us to hold and store your information for the purposes of this process and to pass on your contact details to the organisation you have applied to volunteer with.