Volunteer

Description

What is Telephone Support and Befriending?

ALONE’s Telephone Support and Befriending is a free friendly, support and information telephone service for older people. It provides personal daily or weekly contact to ensure that recipients are safe and well in their home.

Volunteers provide companionship and support such as appointment reminders, and information on local activities and relevant initiatives. All volunteers are trained and receive support from ALONE staff. Where additional needs arise that require a more hands on approach, a request for support can be made to ALONE’s support coordination services. The service operates Monday – Friday and the calls are made at a pre-arranged time.

Volunteering with an Older Person might present challenges at times, ALONE staff will always be there to support you in dealing with difficult situations.

Is training provided?:Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

What will you be doing?

• Providing support and information to the older person where necessary
• Being mindful of the general wellbeing of the older people and provide a positive experience during the call
• Supporting the older person to integrate in their community – such as encouraging them to join local groups and initiatives for older people
• Reporting to ALONE if there are concerns for the older person’s health, safety, or welfare.
• Working as a member of a team with staff and other volunteers and participate effectively in team meetings when required and respond to the communication from Telephone Support Coordinators
• Attending training and following the ALONE guidelines throughout your time with ALONE
• Participating in check-in calls with ALONE staff in order to discuss any issues or address any challenges you may be facing in your role
• Participating in ALONE volunteer surveys and potentially assisting with ALONE with delivery/completion of surveys to Older People

Benefits of Volunteering:

Benefits You Will Receive as a Volunteer

• The opportunity to make a real impact to the lives of older people.
• Initial and ongoing training
• Insights and understanding about social inclusion issues.
• Opportunity to progress into other roles in ALONE
• Opportunity to develop your leadership skills.
• A chance to be part of the ALONE volunteer community.
• Certificate of volunteering (minimum 3 months of volunteering required for the certificate to be issued)

Details of time commitment needed for role:
1 hour per week

Minimum time commitment per week:
Flexible/Varies

Additional screening required for this role::
• Garda Vetting • Informal Interviews • References • Application Form • Identification Check (photo ID etc…)

Sustainable Development Goal:

Hei:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK