Shopping Companion

• Food Train Connects

• VO97495

We have older people waiting to be matched in the following areas:
Aberdeen - AB12 3JH
Angus - DD8 5DN
North Ayrshire - PA17 5AN
Perth & Kinross - PH1 5RS, PH2 8AB, PH11 8LP
South Lanarkshire - G71 8PD

Food Train is an award winning charity providing services to older people who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability. The Connects service offers a volunteer matching service for grocery shopping, telephone befriending and meal delivery.

Becoming a Food Train Connects Shopping Companion is rewarding and makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It’s amazing the impact that regular support with grocery shopping 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.
Carrying out every day tasks with assistance can promote a sense of independence, which is key to prolonging the physical & mental well being of older people.

The Role:
• Collect an older person from their home on agreed date and time to take them for their grocery shopping.
• Support them as they do their grocery shop and transport them back to their home, helping unpack shopping if required.
• To report back to Food Train Connects team and complete all required documentation after each trip.
• To report any matters of concern to Food Train staff
• To inform Food Train Staff of any accidents, incidents or complaints
• To maintain confidentiality
• To represent Food Train in a professional manner to customers and the wider community

Experience required

Must have a driving licence & use of a suitable vehicle. No formal educational required for this role, knowledge of the needs of older people acquired through life experiences, training received or practice based experience is desirable. Friendly, sociable & patient with a caring manner. Good telephone manner & willingness to use own phone & online device to record & submit receipts & complete online forms. Responsive, flexible & efficient. Good verbal communication skills are also required.

Travel details

Private transport or access to suitable public transport required for doing grocery shopping and delivering to members home.

Travel expenses

Travel expenses can be paid up to a maximum of 10 miles at 45p per mile.

• About
• Notes

Support

Training details

Excellent support and training is provided to all volunteers. Induction training, role specific training and ongoing training plus support from a named member of staff.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 17

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Frequency & commitment

This is a once weekly role however, we are also seeking volunteers who are available less frequently, willing to act as stand-in for regular volunteers. You would be called upon to cover holidays, illness or unexpected change in circumstances.

Volunteers (aged 17-25) 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 Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Edinburgh, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Perth & Kinross, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, and West Lothian.

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