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Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

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Older People Befriender

The Food Train operates throughout Scotland, supporting older people in local communities to remain living in their own home, as independently as possible.

If you like chatting, meeting people and getting out and about this could be the role for you! Our volunteer befrienders take part in home visits, one on one excursions and sometimes group trips. We have a large number of older people in Falkirk experiencing loneliness and isolation who would love the companionship of another person who can visit on a regular basis.

The role involves:



  • Visiting an older person in their own home to spend time chatting, listening and discussing various topics; playing a game; doing a puzzle; cooking... Whatever interests you both! We will always try to match you with someone we think you would be compatible with.

  • There's always the option to go out on walks or outings.

  • Visits will be arranged in advance and may be at a regular time every day/week/fortnight.

  • We ask that you update staff after visits and complete monitoring and reviewing requirements.

  • Informing staff of any concerns, accidents, incidents or complaints.

  • There's always the option to attend volunteer meetings, training and social events throughout the year.


Experience required

There are no formal educational or experience requirements but you must be reliable and a good communicator with a sense of humour. An awareness and understanding of the needs of older people and the difficulties they may face living at home whilst ageing would be beneficial.

Travel details

Around the Falkirk area.

Travel expenses

45p per mile reimbursed for travel expenses.

Support
Training details

Induction training including safeguarding. Support from Food Train staff and other volunteers.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 16

Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Frequency & commitment
We ask for a commitment of two hours per fortnight, though time and location are flexible.

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