We're currently only looking for male volunteers aged 18 or over. Women are welcome to apply if you don't mind going on a waiting list.

As a Befriender you will be required to build a relationship with a disabled young person and support them in taking part in a leisure activity of their choice. You will be required to collect the young person from their home and take them out to take part in an activity, taking them back to their home at the end of the session. The aim of the project is to support the development of the self-esteem, independence and social skills of the young people, whilst also providing a short break service to the family.

Role:
Volunteer Befriender

Responsible to:
Senior Project Worker

Location:
Redbridge

Hours and timeframe:
Approximately 2-4 hours per week for a minimum of 1 year.

Objectives:
To build a relationship with a disabled young person and support them in taking part in a leisure activity of their choice.

Tasks:

• Develop relationships with the young person and their family
• Support the young person in taking part in a leisure activity of their choice
• Support the physical and emotional needs of the young person during sessions
• Ensure the young person is safe at all times during sessions
• Attend training sessions
• Keep parents updated
• Complete monthly reports for supervisor
• Attend supervision meetings

Skills required:

• Ability to build relationships with young people and their families
• Communication skills
• Awareness of issues affecting young disabled people
• Reliability and good time keeping
• Good organisation
• Report writing

Training and support:

• A full training and induction programme, which volunteers will need to attend prior to commecing work
• Continual support and advice through volunteer group meeting opportunities and specific training sessions
• Regular meetings with the Volunteer Befriending Co-ordinator for individual supervision and support sessions
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Other Information:

• Volunteers will receive reimbursement for all out of pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be managed in line with our Volunteer Policy
• Volunteers will be required to undertake an enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure.
• This Voluntary Role work outline is binding in honour only, and is not intended to be legally binding.
• All Volunteers of The Children’s Society and all potential volunteers will be afforded equal opportunities irrespective of their sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnic or national origin, colour.