Befriending Volunteer

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Age UK Portsmouth Befriending Service. Age UK Portsmouth is a successful and independent charity that has been caring for vulnerable and isolated older people in Portsmouth and the local area for over 75 years.

The befriending service has been set up to help lonely and isolated people within the Portsmouth area.

To tackle the problem of loneliness among older people, Age UK Portsmouth has developed its befriending service. The service works by assigning each older person a befriender, who provides friendly conversation and companionship on a regular basis over a long period of time.

Purpose of the Service

This vital service provides a link to the outside world and often acts as a gateway for other services and valuable support. We carefully match our older people with their volunteer based on shared interests, likes, dislikes and beliefs.

We regularly check to see how your friendship is progressing.

Loneliness is a massive issue for people in later life in the UK. Half of all people aged 75 and over live alone. The relationship is structured so that each befriender makes the call at a regular pre-agreed time as to avoid any confusion for the older person. All befrienders are volunteers, who freely give up their time to help lonely older people.

About the organisation 

Age UK Portsmouth has been caring for vulnerable and isolated older people in Portsmouth and the local area for over 80 years.

We are an independent, local registered charity, responsible for our own funding and services, and a brand partner of the national Age UK organisation.

Our mission is to help adults in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire enjoy a better quality of life, with a specific focus on all aspects of getting older.

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Skills

Personal Qualities Most Suited to Role:

- The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people at all levels

- The ability to be patient and have understanding in difficult circumstances

- An understanding and empathy towards the needs of older people

Good interpersonal and listening skills