Volunteer Befriender

• Carers of East Lothian

• VO92763

Volunteer Befrienders will provide weekly telephone support to unpaid adult carers in East
Lothian. Befrienders will offer companionship through conversation.
All befrienders will be offered a thorough training and support programme by CoEL and a
dedicated supervisor, as well as opportunities to connect and socialise with other volunteers.
Telephone befrienders should have some lived experience/ understanding of caring themselves.
This can be their own experience, or it can be a developed understanding and empathy for
those in a caring situation, perhaps because of a close family link.
The aim of the befriending work is to support carers who may feel isolated, disconnected or in need of regular
communication with someone who understands what they are going through.
The carers that wish to participate in befriending will already be engaged with CoEL and the
organisation will have a good understanding of their caring situation.
Volunteer befrienders will be carefully matched with a carer based on their personal interests and
circumstances with the aim of developing a fruitful relationship. There is the potential for volunteers to befriend
more than one carer.

Experience required

Good communication skills and active listening skills. Ability to be non-judgemental and empathetic. Lived experience or understanding of caring.

Travel details

Befriending can be undertaken from home. Supervision and support can be offered in person or virtually. If in
person support is chosen, volunteers will have access to the CoEL offices at East Lothian Community Hospital,
Haddington, or community spaces if more a appropriate. Any accessibility needs will be planned for with the
individual volunteer.

Travel expenses

Volunteers reimbursed on a monthly basis for agreed expenses. For any larger outlays, payment will be arranged by COEL.

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