Volunteer Befriender (Banbury)

Companionship takes many forms. For some our volunteer Befrienders are there for a good gossip over a cuppa, to put the world to rights together reading the paper or to watch the match together in the ‘man cave.’ For some, our Befrienders are there to sit with, to hold their hand and to provide quiet comfort. Our Befrienders know when to talk and when to listen.

It can be easy for people to be lonely, even in a vibrant home like ours. Not everyone wants to join in group activities. Sometimes we look for Befrienders who can speak a specific language or have a specific interest or background. The role is very flexible and will depend on what our residents want and a lot on your interests too.

Some of our Befrienders visit the same people every week, especially those who have no other visitors, whilst some will be guided by our Care Team to the person who could most do with some companionship.

You’ll build up relationships with people so ideally, we’d like a regular, longer term commitment of a couple of hours a week. Days and times are flexible; talk to us and we’ll see what suits us both

ROLE BOUNDARIES Our volunteers don't get involved in personal care. Below are the role boundaries for this role:

• All volunteers over 16 years old will require DBS clearance (Criminal Records check) and the Trust will cover the cost. • Volunteers aged between 14 and 16 years old can’t go into residents’ rooms on their own. • There are certain things only carers can do. Volunteers can’t provide personal care for residents. This involves help with dressing, visiting the toilet or eating. • Volunteers can’t support residents in moving, rising or sitting or move residents in wheelchairs until they have completed mandatory moving and handling and wheelchair training. • Volunteers must not hoist a resident. • Volunteers should not attempt to give first aid unless qualified to do so. • Volunteers can’t transport residents in their own car. • Volunteers should not give or accept gifts to or from residents, relatives or employees. All gifts offered should be declared to the Home Manager. • Our communications team are responsible for all our media postings. Volunteers should not contact or speak to the media unless asked to by their manager nor should they post anything on social networking sites. • Volunteers should ask their manager before making any decision outside the scope of their role that could affect OSJCT, residents, employees or other volunteers. • Volunteers are not expected to handle complaints or safeguarding issues. They should talk to their manager in the first instance.