Telephone Befriending Check in and Chat Volunteer

As people get older, some may find they spend more time on their own. This can sometimes feel lonely, boring and lacking in social interaction. Our volunteer Check in and Chat telephone befriending service is for older people so they can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, all from the comfort of their home with a weekly 30-minute chat at a time which suits both our volunteer and an older person who has contacted us for a phone friend. You will be matched with an older person who has similar interests to you. As a Check in and Chat volunteer you can make a difference to the wellbeing of an older person's life. Hours: 30 minutes a week at your convenience at an agreed time with your older/elderly telephone friend and our staff Coordinator will facilitate this. Supported by: Befriending Coordinator and Volunteering Manager. Location: Surrey and the volunteer can live any location in or near this County. Main Duties: Making time for a 30-minute call at a mutually agreed day and time each week. Being kind and respectful to your telephone friend. A commitment to volunteering with us for several months or longer Agreeing to our volunteer terms and conditions. For more information contact volunteer@ageuksurrey.org.uk or fill in our e-registration form here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/surrey/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-registration-form/

What skills do I need?

Personal Qualities: You enjoy a good phone call; You have patience, empathy and understanding of older people; Skills: Excellent listening skills; Wants to support, listen and chat to older people who may be lonely; You have patience; You are reliable and will keep to your personal schedule of calling weekly for a chat to avoid the disappointment of your telephone friend and also so they know to pick up that the caller is you; The ability to value and respect others’ opinions and beliefs