Volunteers needed to offer a regular befriending service to blind and partially sighted LVC clients. Can you help provide social contact and support for isolated clients and helping them with the small tasks that they find they cannot do? This can be done either by a visit to their home or by telephone.
Due to the nature of this role, an Enhanced CRB check will be required.
What will I be doing?
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Providing a listening support for the client
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Provide some guidance around basic issues such how to contact social services
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Advise people on Action and RNIB services that are available
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Assist with reading items such as post, newsletters or magazines
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Helping to compose correspondence
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Assist with enquiries about Talking Books
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Keep in contact by telephone
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Guide for short walks
Roles will be will be responsive to the individual needs of the service users and will be reviewed as the service develops.
What skills can I bring to this role?
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Approachable and able to communicate with people
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Ability to listen and be empathetic to people's issues and needs
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Able to work on your own initiative and be practical and flexible in your role
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Reliable, committed and treat all information in a confidential manner
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As LVC works mainly with older people, an empathy with this group would be a positive thing
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Able to encourage and motivate people to participate in activities
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Friendly, helpful and understanding
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Able to exercise patience and discretion
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To be willing to make a regular commitment to volunteering
When will I be needed?
Two hours per week, the time and day of visit is to be mutually arranged between the client and volunteer. As regular contact is to be maintained, we ask for at least six months commitment.
What will I gain from the role?
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Personal satisfaction from helping visually impaired adults
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Meet new people within the community
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Meet like minded people at volunteer meetings and events
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New experiences and skills
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An understanding of the difficulties faced by other people
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Knowledge that you will be helping to fill an important gap in an isolated person's life
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Confidence in the field of befriending
What support will I be given?
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Induction
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Understanding Sight Loss Pack
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Guide Skills
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Expenses - all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed including expenses to attend training
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Supervision and support from LVC Volunteer Development Co-ordinator
How do I apply?
To apply for this role, please complete and return the Application form (Word 79KB) to volunteering@rnib.org.uk.
If you would like the application form in a different format (such as standard print, large print, braille or audio) or if you have any general enquiries, please contact the Volunteering Team on: 0845 603 0575 or 01733 375 450 or email volunteering@rnib.org.uk