About
Age UK Gloucestershire's ambition is for Gloucestershire to be the best county in which to grow older. We think it’s great news that we’re living longer, and are here to support all older people to ...
Building Connections Volunteer
Scan me or visit www.govolunteerglos.org/o/Age-UK-Gloucestershire/opportunities/Building-Connections-Volunteer/85979 to join
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Summary
Would you like to make a huge difference in the life of a lonely older person? Making social connections can be life changing!Detailed description
Building Connections is about bringing together vulnerable older people with volunteers in the community to overcome social disconnection. It is available to older people living in Gloucestershire who have contacted, or are referred to our Help Team and identified as experiencing loneliness as a result of lack of social connections, significant life transitions, such as bereavement or ill health, or living alone. Our aim is to build strong relationships, improve wellbeing and social connectiveness, and improve quality of life in a supported way.
You could be at the heart of providing this service as a community connections volunteer. If you have experience in befriending or just enjoy meeting others we'd love to hear from you. You will be involved with a client for a period of 3 months and be in contact both in person and by phone.
The support you offer will be agreed between you and the client at the initial visit but may include:
· supporting the client on an agreed course of action e.g. starting a new hobby
· accompanying the client to a social group
· discussing ways of connecting them with their communities.
· helping the client with digital support
· signposting the client to other services provided by Age UK Gloucestershire and other agencies.
Location:
In the client’s home and by phone. Monday to Friday
Time Requirement:
You will be asked
to support an individual a maximum of 4 times over a 3-month period. The day and time of these visits will be agreed between you and the client.
What we will provide to volunteers
💸 Reimbursement of costs🤝 Extra supportAbout Age UK Gloucestershire
Too often ageing is portrayed negatively. We work to make sure people feel positive about growing older, to dispel myths and challenge ageism.
We champion age-friendly communities to make sure all older people have access to the services, activities and support they need to stay healthy and active.
We support communities to provide fun and meaningful social opportunities for older people to encourage strong social connections, reduce isolation and offer a sense of purpose.
We are the safe place for people to contact if they don’t know where else to turn. We provide high-quality information, guidance and advice to help older people make the best decisions about their social and healthcare options, and support them to access the services and claim the benefits they need to live well for longer.