Warm Connections Befriender
Hosted by: DIAL Barnsley

You will be working with socially isolated people helping them to connect with other members of their community. Working closely with the Social Inclusion Worker (SIW), you will be offering support to people to help them achieve the things they feel will make their life better. This may include supporting people to access useful services, interest groups, leisure activities etc.
You will know that you have tried to make a positive difference to other people’s lives, you will see the people you support growing in confidence and making changes lives that can have a lasting impact for them.

Also:
• You will have access to all the training you will need to successfully carry out your role e.g. DIAL’s Induction Training, orientation visits, specialist role related training such as Befriender Training.
• You will meet and spend time with like- minded people.
• You will have new skills to put on your C.V.
• You will have the opportunity to try other roles within DIAL and learn more skills if you want to try other challenges.
• You will have access to informal support meetings with the Volunteer Support Officer on a regular basis and access to Volunteer Meetings.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Tues AM, Tues PM, Weds AM, Weds PM, Thur AM, Thur PM, Fri AM, Fri PM

How many volunteers are needed:

10

Recruitment process:

Once you contact us we will get in touch either by email or telephone (depending on the contact details you have left us). You will be invited to come to DIAL to meet the Volunteer Support Officer for an informal chat/ interview to see if this is the role that can offer you what you want from your volunteering. You will have the opportunity to have a look at the training you’ll need to undertake, ask about the organisation, what we provide for our volunteers or any other questions you may have. You will be given a short application form to complete after this meeting if you would like to apply. We require 2 references to support your application and training will begin within a timescale that you are happy with.

Skills and quaifications:

You don’t need any special qualifications for this role but a basic understanding of the general issues facing our clients and an interest in helping them is essential. Some awareness of the impact of social isolation would be desirable (but not essential) as would basic I.T. skills.

Other skills/ character traits a Befriender needs are:
• A caring nature.
• A willingness to support others.
• Sensitivity when dealing with other people.
• Good listening skills.
• Reliability and patience.
• Ability to work in a confidential framework.
• Non- judgemental with other people.

Suitable for specific groups: BME, Carers, Disabled (physical), Ex-offenders, Event volunteers, LGBTQ+, Long term health condition, Older people, Refugees and asylum seekers, Substance misuse, Unemployed
Gender restrictions?: No
Type of activity: Befriending and buddying, Community Work, Mental Health