What You'll Do:
- Providing information, support and reassurance to an older person prior to their admission to hospital, and on their discharge (for up to 18 weeks);
- Keeping in touch on a regular basis to promote wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness; This will be in the form of face to face meetings in the older persons home or a mix of telephone calls and face to face.
- Referring to Link Age Southwark services from which the older person might benefit, e.g. activity groups, befriending and events;
- Signposting to other local support networks from which the older person might benefit, e.g. Time and Talents, Blackfriars Settlement, etc.
- Keeping in touch with the team at Link Age Southwark regarding the wellbeing of the person you are supporting.
Why You'll Love It:
What’s in it for you?
- you will be gaining a new experience in your local community, getting to know an older person
- being part of a great team of Link Age Southwark volunteers and staff
- you will be playing a vital part in easing loneliness and isolation of an older person and help them get the best from life
- you will be entitled to claim reasonable expenses
- we can provide references after you have completed 3 months in a volunteering role with Link Age Southwark
- Enrich your CV
What You'll Learn:
As well as attending our induction you will have opportunities to attend other training including Emergency First Aid, Mental Health Awareness and Assisting People with Mobility Needs
What We're Looking For:
What you need to be a successful Hospital Buddy
- a cheerful and friendly personality
- effective communication/listening skills
- commitment to keeping in touch with an older person for 1-2 hours per week, for up to 6 months
- good timekeeping and reliability
- be empathetic towards the needs of older people
- patient, understanding and non-judgemental attitude
- to attend all relevant training so that you are ready and confident in your role
- complete a fully enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application (we will pay for this)
- provide two referees whom you have known for at least 2 years for a character reference, ideally one of which should be from a previous employer, education or volunteer organisation
- understanding and commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health and safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality and diversity.
Similar Opportunities
Volunteer Mentor
The Diana Award
Min. 12 Weeks Minimum weeks
Volunteer Mentor
Volunteering
Mentor
Education, Social Care, Young People
The Diana Award Mentoring Programme supports young people aged 14-18 at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) to develop their careers skills, whilst making positive change in their community.
University Student Mentoring
IntoUniversity
Min. 1 Weeks Minimum weeks
University Student Mentoring
Volunteering
Mentor
Education, Young People
One off volunteering at Little Village Baby Bank
Little Village
Min. 1 Weeks Minimum weeks
One off volunteering at Little Village Baby Bank
Volunteering
Volunteer
Crisis Support, Families, Poverty, Refugees
Keen to volunteer, but don’t have the time each week? Join us at one of our One-off Volunteering Days. Help us spread love and kindness to children living in poverty in London.
