Friendly and understanding volunteers needed to offer a regular befriending service to blind and partially sighted people in the Rotherham area. Can you help provide social contact and support for isolated clients, and assist with the small tasks that they may find difficult?
This role requires an Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity.
What will I be doing?
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Providing support and a listening ear for the client
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Reading items such as post, newsletters or magazines
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Helping to compose correspondence
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Advising and signposting to Action and RNIB services that are available
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Keeping in regular contact
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Acting as a guide for short walks
What skills and qualities 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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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.
Where will I be volunteering?
In client's own homes across the Rotherham area (this will be in a realistic distance of the volunteer's home).
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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Opportunity to 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' Training
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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 your volunteer manager/ co-ordinator
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Guide training may also be available
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