Telephone Befriender

BASIS has a befriending service which supports adults with sight loss in South Essex, the areas that we cover are Rochford, Hockley Rayleigh, Benfleet, Thundersley, Hadleigh, Canvey Island, Basildon, Laindon, Pitsea, Billericay, Brentwood and all surrounding areas.  Basis Befriending Service helps to improve the lives of adults living with sight loss. 

BASIS telephone befrienders are based in the resource centre in Basildon but Home telephone befrienders would be considered if the volunteer is unable to travel to Basildon.

Skills

This outline has been drawn up to help you understand what will be expected of you in your role as a telephone befriender.

Telephone Befriending is a service that has been set up to support adults with sight loss, helping to reduce isolation and increase confidence and promote independent living. The main aim of the the Telephone Befriending service is to provide support to clients using the service through a weekly telephone call. Telephone befrienders usually call the same person each week at the same time, to provide a listening ear, links to other services and to monitor general well being. All telephone befrienders receive full training and ongoing support from the project co-ordinator. 

Responsibilities / Tasks:

·       Provide telephone support to alleviate loneliness and social isolation and help to build confidence.

·       Report any concerns or problems to the project co-ordinator immediately

·       Read and understand the information provided as part of the induction training

·       Understand and work to the Telephone Befriending Service guidelines, boundaries and expectations 

·       Adhere to BASIS confidentiality policy 

·       Record and claim out-of-pocket travel expenses on a monthly basis (up to a max of 10 miles)

·       To record information about the call 

·       Work as part of a team 

·       Communication skills 

·       Understanding of confidentiality 

·       Patience and sensitivity 

·       Reliability 

·       Flexibility 

·       Willingness to undertake induction training and work within the organisation's guidelines and policies