Home Befriender for people with long-term health conditions

ReConnect supports people affected by Stroke, Aphasia, and other long term health conditions to connect with each other. We facilitate a peer befriending scheme and peer support groups across Gloucestershire to help reduce social isolation and build confidence and self-esteem.

As a Face to Face Befriender, you will:

• meet people affected by long-term health condition in the community, either within their own home or a care home.
• offer company, empathy, encouragement, and a chance to share experiences.
• encourage people to achieve personal goals, such as joining a local club or visiting the church or library and, if appropriate, accompanying them.
• share your experiences

This role might be perfect for you, if you are:

• excellent at listening & communicating with people.
• empathetic and non-judgemental.
• willing to try new things and adapt to the Befriendee’s needs.
• happy to be autonomous with guidance from a key staff member.
• possibly experienced a long-term health condition (yourself, family or friend) - not essential
• over 18 years old
• living within Gloucestershire
• reliable, clean and presentable.

As a volunteer, you will benefit from:

• an induction and on-going training, covering safeguarding, health & safety.
• regular ongoing support from a staff member.
• meeting new people with similar experiences of long-term conditions.
• connection to your local community and support/social groups.
• being a valued member of an incredible and friendly team.
• out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed.

Location & time commitment:

• most volunteer commit to 1 hr per week or fortnight to provide consistency for the person they support.
• timing and location is flexible depending on your, and our befriendee’s, locality and commitments

Application Process:

• To apply, please complete an application form
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level is required for this role. ReConnect will process this with you for free.
• Once we have received your application, references and DBS check we will arrange a time for your training and match you with a person.