Changes Bristol are looking for volunteers to join our growing Telephone Befriending service.
We offer our Befriending Service to support Members who are unable to access our in person or online peer support meetings or need some additional support. Some of our members are very isolated or don't have people to talk to about their problems, therefore, we offer our support to members so they are able to share openly, connect and make steps toward better mental health.
We want all of our members to know that their calls are confidential and non-judgmental. Whilst we do not offer counselling or therapy, we always offer an empathetic listening ear so members feel safe to talk about their thoughts and feelings.
We know that starting in a role like this can be daunting, therefore we provide comprehensive training before you begin. We look into what is and isn't expected from our volunteers and what your responsibiities are as a volunteer. We also explore various safeguarding topics and discuss the ways you could respond if presented with any of these issues. We also take a look into bereavement and ways to talk about grief.
Before going live as a Befriender, we will provide you with an informative and helpful handbook to support you with your calls and we offer ongoing supervisions for all of our volunteers. We are also at the end of the phone or an email if you ever wish to talk about anything.
The role is very flexible and will be done over the phone meaning you can do it remotely e.g. from your home. We also understand that people have busy lives, therefore, calls can be made during the day or in the evening at a time that works best for you.
Being a Changes Bristol Volunteer is a responsible position - vulnerable adults rely on our service, therefore we need volunteers to be dependable and committed when taking on the role. Being a Befriender can be challenging but it is also extremely rewarding.
As a Befriender, you will need to be able to do the following:
- You may need to call on a wide range of skills and tools, including active listening, empathy, signposting, problem solving and risk assessing
- You will need to be a good listener, be good at engaging in conversation and be able to empower – supporting members to find their own solutions to issues they’re facing or emotions they’re experiencing
- Be able to set and maintain clear boundaries and timekeeping
- Be open and adaptable. Our members may be experiencing a wide variety of issues
- Be comfortable consulting with a member of the Changes Staff Team regarding any concerns
If you feel you may possess these skills and would like to develop them further, please get in touch. The fastest way to contact us and to express your interest is to email us at befriending@changesbristol.org.uk and we will send you an application form.
Please note that volunteers must be 18 years old and over.
For more information about our Befriending service and volunteering with us, please take a look at our website: www.changesbristol.org.uk