Dorchester Befriending Service
Could You be a Friend?
Doing the small things that make a big difference
Many older people in Dorset can have their lives changed through contact with befriending schemes. Loneliness and isolation are common among older people living alone.
Volunteers provide a range of services to people who require additional support to remain independent and active in their community. Anyone can become a volunteer and make an incredible difference to someone else’s life. Even an hour a week will make a difference.
We would like to meet volunteers who are interested in befriending or training to be a co-ordinator in this exciting scheme. The coordinator is supported and mentored by a line manager. The coordinator is also part of a network of coordinators across Dorset. This network provides additional support, facilitates sharing best practice and assisting with problem solving.
Services provided by volunteers include;
- Home visits, sharing a cup of tea and a good conversation
- Accompanying clients on shopping trips or shopping on their behalf
- Reading to those who are visually impaired
- Assisting with correspondence
- Accompanying people on short walks
- Sitting to relieve a carer
There is no specialised requirement for volunteers, you just need to;
- possess a willingness and desire to help
- be committed to providing reliable, consistent support
- identify how much time you are able to comfortably give
- identify the kind of service you would like to offer
- enjoy sharing your time with others and meeting new people
The benefits to both volunteers and older people are numerous and rewarding;
- you meet new people
- you learn new things about others and the area in which you live
- people retain their independence and self-esteem
- volunteers experience a feeling of contributing to an invaluable service and of making a real difference to the life of someone else
Could you be a member of this fantastic team and help to improve someone’s quality of life?
If you would like more information, please contact Tina Damon – Sparks Royal Voluntary Service on 077368 25330 or 01305 236666
