Befriender

• Food Train Connects

• VO90924

Food Train Connects provides a one to one befriending service for older people by visiting them in their own home for a friendly chat and some company on a weekly basis. Our Food Train Connects Befriending service is a fantastic way to make an impact on the lives of older people in your community. Our aim is to support older people to age well and live well.
Becoming a Food Train Connects Shopping Friend is rewarding and it makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It’s amazing the impact that a regular befriending visit can have on someone who is isolated or lonely. If you want to make sure that an older person is able to live well in their own home this is a great opportunity to do so.
The Role:
• Provide an effective befriending service for your befriendee .
• Spend time with your befriendee, listen, chat and discuss various topics.
o Keep within the boundaries of the role
o To inform Food Train Connects Staff of any accidents, incidents or complaints
o To maintain confidentiality
o To represent Food Train in a professional manner to our members and the wider community

Experience required

An interest in people and their lives is essential
• Friendly, sociable and patient with a caring manner
• Ability to visit and chat to an older person in their home
• Good verbal communication skills are required with a sense of humour who can adapt your conversation to different types of people
• Maintain consistent communication with Food Train Connects staff throughout

Travel details

Volunteers are paired with an older person within a 5 mile radius of their home address.

Travel expenses

If volunteer is not able to carry out the shopping as part of their own regular shopping trip they can claim travel expenses up to 10 miles at 45p per mile. Expenses are claimed at the time of the shopping trip

• About
• Notes

Support

Training details

Welcome call, ID check / PVG, group training session by video conferencing, ongoing training and support from named member of staff. Handbooks and role manuals

Restrictions

Minimum age: 16

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Frequency & commitment

two hours a week for at least three months

Volunteers (aged 16-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more

This volunteering opportunity is also advertised across Midlothian.

With a My Volunteer Account you can write private notes on opportunities you are interested in. Sign in or sign up for a My Volunteer Account.