Social Connection Project Volunteer

Justlife’s Social Connection project supports people moving away from homelessness by helping them connect with their local communities and build positive social networks and healthy relationships. The project aims to help people overcome social barriers, isolation, and loneliness. 

Our befriending project allows somebody moving away from homelessness to be matched with one of our trained volunteer befrienders. They meet once a week in the community and do an activity of their choice, whether that's going for a walk, trying a new activity, or just going for coffee and a chat. We try to match people according to their shared interests and hobbies, lived experiences, or identities.

Benefits

• The satisfaction of helping someone reach the final step of exiting homelessness.
• Monthly one-to-one supervision, regular reflective practice sessions, and a training program 
• Volunteer socials 
• Funded travel and refreshment expenses.
• An opportunity to volunteer ad hoc on our wellbeing activities and outings. 

Practical Considerations

Time commitment 

Matches usually meet up weekly for a minimum of 6 months and meet their match for one hour a week. Many of our befriending matches last longer than 6 months, which the client, volunteer and Social Connection coordinator determine through regular reviews.

Support Disabled

Each befriending match will be carefully selected to ensure that both parties are suitable. We will gather a list of venues that include wheelchair access.

What skills do I need?

We are seeking people who are passionate about helping others connect with their communities. We are looking for people who are non-judgmental, reliable, patient, and flexible. While prior experience in mentoring individuals with lived experience of homelessness or working with the homeless community and other marginalised and vulnerable groups is beneficial, it is not a requirement. We welcome people with lived experience of homelessness.