Friendship Volunteer (Enabling Connections)

Friendship Volunteer (Enabling Connections)

Posted for Age UK Northumberland

Posted by Volunteer Centre Newcastle

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Volunteer Centre Newcastle website to express your interest.

This role supports the provision of short-term, structured befriending support for older people across Northumberland, to support individuals to achieve defined personal goals, improve their confidence and independently access activities and groups in their local community.

THE MAIN DUTIES OF THE ROLE:

In this role, you are more than a friendly face—you are a coach and a catalyst for change. Instead of an open-ended social visit, you will spend a fixed number of weeks helping an older person regain their independence, smash a personal goal, and reconnect with their local community.

What You Will Be Doing

· Working To Targets: Sit down with your match during week one to figure out what they want to achieve (e.g., walking to the local shop alone, learning to use video calls, or joining a nearby art class).

· Building a Plan: Break that big goal down into small, weekly steps that feel safe and manageable.

· Growing Confidence: Go along with them to new places or groups until they feel confident enough to go by themselves.

· Cheering Progress: Keep track of the small wins each week and remind them of how far they have come.

· Planning the Graduation: Celebrate their success at the end of the 24 weeks having helped them transition smoothly to doing things completely on their own.

What’s In It For You?

· See Real Impact: Witness a direct, visible transformation in someone’s life from week 1 to week 24.

· Learn New Skills: Gain high-quality training in goal-setting, mentoring, and active listening.

· Flexible Commitment: Perfect if you want to make a huge difference but cannot commit to a long-term, multi-year volunteering role.

We offer out of pocket expenses, training, and support, and in return, you will join a great team and know that you are making a real difference in the lives of older people.

For more information – send your CV and covering letter to:

[email protected]

What skills do I need?

The Kind of Person We Are Looking For

· Encouraging & Patient: You know how to motivate someone when they feel nervous or stuck.

· Focused: You can keep your weekly chats and outings centered around the goal you agreed on.

· Reliable: You can show up consistently for the short time your match is counting on you.

· Good with Boundaries: You understand the value of a short-term boost and can help someone transition away from the service without creating dependency.

· Local Savvy: You know your local area well or are happy to research community groups, bus routes, and activities.

· Prepared to undertake a DBS check

· Can commit to 3 hours per week

· IT literate

· Car owner / driver