Chatterbox is a free telephone befriending service for socially isolated and lonely people. Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support, by calling a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved. Volunteers are always required, and this role may suit you if you: would like to make a real difference in someone’s life, are a good listener, are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature, have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills, want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call, recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice, are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect. Befrienders are required to: call clients once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed, complete an online call log record promptly after each phone call, ensure immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others, liaise with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as to discuss personal learning and development needs, respect service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognise the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults. Benefits of the role may include: knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life, joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation, an opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills, an opportunity to engage with your community. Chatterbox Befrienders are home-based and working hours can be provided on enquiry. Training and support will be provided to all volunteers. Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate. For more information, please follow the link to their website, or contact using the details provided. Please note: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. The nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to this voluntary role will be taken into account and discussed with you during the recruitment process, if you are shortlisted. We're sorry but <%= htmlWebpackPlugin.options.title %> doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please enable it to continue.
