Volunteer Befriending (Changes Bristol)

Changes Bristol are looking for Volunteer Phone Befrienders to join our dedicated team so that people in Bristol can share, connect and make steps towards better mental health.

Changes Bristol is running a telephone Befriending Service to support Members who are unable to access our online groups or in person peer support meetings.

They are for people suffering from mental distress, and more specifically those that can’t access the meetings whilst we’re having to provide them online.

This Befriending Service is an important part of we’re currently offering members and we need volunteers who can support others via telephone.

We have a comprehensive training handbook and questionnaire, and offer ongoing supervision for any volunteers who will offer a safe, non-judgemental and empathetic listening ear for people to talk about their feelings and to help make changes in their lives for the better.

Being a Changes 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 is an extremely rewarding and can also be challenging.

● Befrienders at Changes help people in the process of making sense of their experiences and expressing their feelings
● They offer a non-judgemental listening ear
● Befrienders support Members to make steps towards improving their lives through the use of SMART goals.
● As a Befriender, you may need to call on a wide range of skills and tools, including active listening, empathy, signposting, problem solving and risk assessing
● Listen, engage and 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 comfortable consulting with a member of the Changes Staff Team regarding any concerns

Good befriending requires:
● active listening
● the ability to set and maintain clear boundaries
● sensitivity to a wide variety of possible issues Members might be facing

If you feel you may possess these skills and would like to develop them further through the online training, engagement with our Members, reflective practice and supervision; please feel free to apply for the role.

What we offer

• Induction & training for the role
• Continuous support in form of supervision and reflective practice
  
  

We are looking for Volunteers who feel able to support 2 or more of our Members per week. The day and time will be by arrangement with the specific members.

This volunteering role is a remote one and can be done from your home.

Online training and telephone support from staff is available through the duration of the role.