More people are living longer and at Age UK Gloucestershire we feel this is something to celebrate. Our range of support and impartial information can help you lead a safe, comfortable and independent ...
Building Connections Volunteer
Contact person
Ruth Sharples
#106863
Scan me or visit www.govolunteerglos.org/o/Age-UK-Gloucestershire/opportunities/Building-Connections-Volunteer/106863 to join
Summary
Would you like to make a huge difference in the life of a lonely older person? Making social connections can be life changing!
Detailed description
Building Connections is about bringing together vulnerable older people with volunteers in the community to overcome social disconnection. It is available to older people living in Gloucestershire who have contacted, or are referred to our Help Team and identified as experiencing loneliness as a result of lack of social connections, significant life transitions, such as bereavement or ill health, or living alone. Our aim is to build strong relationships, improve wellbeing and social connectiveness, and improve quality of life in a supported way.
You could be at the heart of providing this service as a building connections volunteer. If you have experience in befriending or just enjoy meeting others we'd love to hear from you. You will be involved with a client for a period of 3 months and be in contact both in person and by phone.
The support you offer will be agreed between you and the client at the initial visit but may include:
· supporting the client on an agreed course of action e.g. starting a new hobby
· accompanying the client to a social group
· discussing ways of connecting them with their communities.
· helping the client with digital support
· signposting the client to other services provided by Age UK Gloucestershire and other agencies.
Location:
In the client’s home and by phone. Monday to Friday
Time Requirement:
You will be asked
to support an individual a maximum of 4 times over a 3-month period. The day and time of these visits will be agreed between you and the client.
What volunteers need
😇 Disclosure and Barring Service
What we will provide to volunteers
💸 Reimbursement of costs
🤝 Extra support
About Age UK Gloucestershire
More people are living longer and at Age UK Gloucestershire we feel this is something to celebrate. Our range of support and impartial information can help you lead a safe, comfortable and independent later life. Maintaining a social life, staying active, having a sense of purpose and embracing a positive outlook are all things which contribute to living a fulfilling and happy later life. We know that part of planning for later life is considering the support you might need to remain safe, comfortable and independent in your own home.
Our Services and Activities include:
• Help Team - Our Help Team are here to provide you with free, confidential, and independent advice. We have up to date information about local resources and support including benefit checks.
• Community drop ins - Our weekly Community Drop-ins around Gloucestershire to help provide people with support, information and guidance.
• Digital Champions – IT Support - Support to help you get online and make the most of your laptop, ipad or smartphone.
• Ageing Without Children (AWOC) - Our monthly Ageing Without Children Group for people who, either through choice or circumstance, don’t have children around to support them.
• Gentle Social Walking Groups - Our Groups offer regular, short, accessible walks for people who would like to be more active and social.