Befriending Role - Talking Together Scheme

Talking Together is a listening and befriending scheme which gives the opportunity for isolated adults with mental health problems to speak regularly to volunteers, and to share their concerns, fears or issues and receive consistent support.

It is entirely telephone and video-call based at present.  All volunteers will be trained to provide befriending and listening support to adults in the local south east Essex community, over the phone or via video messaging, to support the Southend COVID-19 response.  Volunteers will also be offered the chance to undertake accredited Mental Health First Aid training and other mental health training.

The Volunteer will be required to:

• Provide befriending and listening support to adults (via telephone or video messaging) in the local south east Essex community, that have mental health challenges, particularly with anxiety and as a result of social isolation
• Have good listening skills, and be able to reflect back and show empathy.
• Be available to undergo a video link interview (e.g. Zoom).
• Undergo a DBS check
• Have a quiet space that they can volunteer from
• Volunteer with between 1 or 2 befriendee's a week, contacting them once per week
• Councelling or mentoring skills would be welcomed, but not essential.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

• ·       Make weekly contact with befriendees that have been assigned by the Befriending Coordinator
• ·       Raise any issues affecting befriendees with appropriate staff member
• ·       Feedback to staff relevant information relating to befriendees’ progress
• ·       Participate in regular supervision with the Talking Together Coordinator
• ·       Take part in appropriate training and development activities
• ·       Participate in volunteer meetings
• ·       Notify staff if you are unable to provide your regular session
• ·       Ensure Health and Safety regulations are adhered to in line with Trust Links Health and Safety policy
• ·       Ensure Safeguarding requirements are met in line with Trust Links Safeguarding Policy and escalate concerns about the wellbeing of service users to appropriate staff members
• ·       Maintain confidentiality

Skills

Volunteers will need:

• Excellent communication and people skills
• Empathy and listening skills
• Commitment to self-development 
• Willingness and commitment to undertake further training and development
• Commitment to the role
• Tact
• Responsiveness
• Realism
• Honesty
• Enthusiasm
• Team Work