DeafBlind UK - Telephone Befriender
Details of the Charity:Share this
The DeafBlind UK exists because too many people live with deafblindness and are not getting the help they need. We show people that there can be a life beyond deafblindness.
Whether you need some support to get back on your feet after a diagnosis, a helping hand to help you do the things you love, someone to turn to when you’re feeling low or some information, advice and guidance, we’re here to help.
Losing your sight and hearing can be frightening. Our team of experts is here every step of the way to show you life beyond sight and hearing loss.
Details of the Volunteering Opportunity:
A Volunteer Telephone Befriender makes regular phone calls or emails to an assigned member/s (befriendees) and engages in conversations of mutual interest, offering support and friendship, which reduces isolation and improves their quality of life.
As a Volunteer Telephone Befriender, your role would be:
- To contact predominately older people with acquired deafblindness
- To establish and build a befriending relationship
- To call/email an identified Deafblind UK member at a mutually convenient time regularly
- To enable the person to discuss topics of their choice
- To engage in conversations of mutual interest and to encourage maintaining the flow of discussion for the allotted time
- To provide advice and guidance at a level appropriate within a mutual friendship
- To provide regular updates of your volunteering activity to your named Deafblind UK contact to flag any concerns or queries
This role requires a regular commitment of time, usually 1-2 hours weekly.
Skills Required:
- Willing to share their own personal interests with member
- Have a genuine interest in tohers and getting to know them
- A good understanding of confidentiality
- Non-judgemental and empathic
- Good listening skills
- Aged 18 and over
- Based in the UK
- Has access to the internet and a device to complete Deafblind UK volunteer training. This will take approximately 2-3 hours
- Are able to commit to the role for at least 3 months
Additional Benefits:
- Opportunities to learn and gain a wider understanding of dual sensory loss
- Establishing positive employability skills to help you in your career path
- Volunteering Hours go towards the Brunel Volunteer Awards