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Who are we: AILN initially grew from a group of disabled people who wanted to see a change in the way that community care services were offered to people. When Direct Payments (DP) were first introduced in 2003, they were keen to promote this as an option for independent living. AILN have been providing high quality Self-Directed Support (SDS) advice and information to the people of Ayrshire for over 17 years.
AILN is a peer-led, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee with charitable status.
This is an exciting time to join AILN as a volunteer as we have been successful in securing 3 years of funding for a Dementia Befriending Service from the Community lottery fund. Our aim is to provide companionship to the person living with dementia and thus in turn provides respite for the unpaid carer.
Purpose of the post
• To provide 1-1 befriending companionship to people living with early-stage dementia. This will either be accompanying the befriendee on a walk, shopping trip, activity in the community, providing companionship in the persons home, playing scrabble etc or having a chat over the phone
• To think and act responsibly and follow guidance or instructions relating to Health & Safety, equality, and diversity
• To support the Befriending Coordinator by completing a feedback form after each visit with the befreindee
Key duties and responsibilities:
• Have a clear understanding of the aims and objectives of AILN services and activities
• To successfully complete essential training for the post
• Make regular weekly/fortnightly visits, telephone calls at an agreed time suitable to the person
• Provide companionship and company to the person living with dementia.
• Spend time chatting and getting to know the person, talking with about their current and past life experiences
• Provide feedback to the Befriending Coordinator around the conversations and how the meet ups are going
• Provide immediate feedback to the Coordinator or Service Manager on any issues or concerns that you become aware of
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Abilities:
• Good telephone, verbal, and written communication skills
• A good listener
• Enjoy meeting new people and having conversations
• Enjoy learning more about someone and their interests in their past and life history
• Consistency and reliability
• Understanding the need for confidentiality
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Empathic and understanding of the needs of those living with dementia and the demands/challenges faced by the unpaid carer.
• Ability to communicate with people in a sensitive and person-centred manner, including people who require support, carers, other professionals, and members of the public
• Must carry out duties of this role with due regard to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practice
Desirable Experience:
• Experience/knowledge of working/living with someone living dementia
• Previous experience of volunteering
• Hobbies/interest to share, discuss
• As the project develops, the ability to work flexibly to suit the changing needs of the organisation i.e., weekend/evenings
• I.T skills
Other:
Volunteers are advised to volunteer 2 hours a week (befriending time and filling in of feedback sheet). Befriending should be carried out by prior arrangement (volunteers able to choose hours flexibly, perhaps very occasional evening and/or weekends to suit the needs of the befriendee).
What we provide:
• Ongoing support, guidance, and regular supervision by the coordinator of the service
• Receive formal recognition for your volunteering contribution and/or a reference which reflects positive contributions associated with your volunteering
• Specialised role training to develop skills and confidence in the role
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses directly related to the volunteering role
• Access to the Scotland Wellbeing Hub www.wellbeinghub.scot
• Feel valued, supported, and respected
Travel expenses
Reimbursement of agreed expenses directly related to the volunteering role
Support
Training details
Mandatory training and Induction for the role:
• AILN Introduction and Induction
• Skilled Dementia Level training
• Dementia Friends
• Adult support and protection training
• Any other training deemed necessary for the role
Volunteers (aged 12-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more
Please fill out this form to register your interest in the opportunity Dementia Befriender Volunteer with Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN)
Your email address and phone number will only be used by the organisation/TSI you are contacting to discuss in more detail the opportunity you are enquiring about.
Your details and message will be sent to:
Sharon Macpherson, Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN)
Sharon Macpherson, Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN)
Email address: befriending@ailn.org
A copy will be sent to the organisation that supports volunteering in North Ayrshire:
Contact name: Ann Wilson
Email address: ann@tact.scot
Phone: 01294 443044
Thank you for registering your interest in Dementia Befriender Volunteer with Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN).
Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN) has been sent your details and message, they will respond to you at the email address you provided.
Something has gone wrong, please let us know about this issue at milosupport@scvo.scot quoting reference #VO92774.