Telephone Supporter

Telephone Supporter

Why volunteer with Brendoncare Clubs?

Brendoncare aims to improve the quality of life for older people, and our local networks of social/activity clubs are vital in combating loneliness and social isolation. They enable our members to develop relationship networks and each club aims to respond to the interests, needs, aspirations and choices of each individual. Our community clubs are currently closed but we are providing regular telephone contact to our members to support them at this difficult time and help them feel that they are not alone. The telephone support service can also provide a valuable point of contact for members who are temporarily or permanently unable to attend their normal club due to ill health, caring responsibilities, etc.

Brendoncare Clubs are looking for volunteers to help us deliver this vital service to the members of our clubs and other older people in our communities.

Who are you?

You will need to be cheerful and articulate with some time to spare and the ability to chat to anyone about anything.

What is required?

You will need a phone and a quiet area in your home to make the calls on regular agreed days, or be part of our central office based team in Winchester. It does not matter where you live geographically as long as you can access our training online if not in the office.

Some of the calls will be a quick and friendly 10 minute chat to check that the member is doing ok. Other calls might be significantly longer, particularly with those people who are more isolated. At times you might find them feeling lonely and low so you will need to be able to empathise with what they are feeling and try to brighten their day. We are finding that many of our members feel that bit better after a chat with one of our volunteers, even though their situation hasn’t really changed. You will also be expected to identify anyone who is experiencing real difficulties whether practical or emotional and feed that information back to your manager so additional support can be offered.

We can be really flexible and work with you to find times that suit you, we just ask that calls are made to members once that has been agreed with them. This is a role that can fit around your other commitments and your call list can be tailored to fit the time you have available.

We also require two satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will need to complete Induction training, which during Covid restrictions is being delivered using Zoom. Once Covid restrictions

are lifted we expect you to participate in essential training modules, such as Safeguarding and Dementia Awareness.

How will we support you as a volunteer?

You will be managed by a nominated staff member, who will catch up with you regularly by telephone, Zoom and face to face meetings. During working hours there will always be a member of staff available to discuss any concerns or issues you have. You will have the opportunity to connect with other volunteers for mutual support e.g. Volunteer Forums.

As a volunteer, you will have access to Brendoncare’s Employee Assistance Programme. This is a free and confidential service, available 24/7, offering counselling and emotional support, as well as information and help to resolve issues such as debt, legal concerns and consumer issues.

What are the benefits for you?

The telephone supporter role allows you expand and develop at your own pace. We provide you with an induction, ongoing training, support and reimbursement of out of pocket expenses.

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something back to the community and to benefit from the positive impact your volunteering can have to help improve the lives of older people in your area.

Skills

You will need a phone and a quiet area in your home to make the calls on regular agreed days, or be part of our central office based team in Winchester. It does not matter where you live geographically as long as you can access our training online if not in the office.

Some of the calls will be a quick and friendly 10 minute chat to check that the member is doing ok. Other calls might be significantly longer, particularly with those people who are more isolated. At times you might find them feeling lonely and low so you will need to be able to empathise with what they are feeling and try to brighten their day. We are finding that many of our members feel that bit better after a chat with one of our volunteers, even though their situation hasn’t really changed. You will also be expected to identify anyone who is experiencing real difficulties whether practical or emotional and feed that information back to your manager so additional support can be offered.

We can be really flexible and work with you to find times that suit you, we just ask that calls are made to members once that has been agreed with them. This is a role that can fit around your other commitments and your call list can be tailored to fit the time you have available