Voluntary and paid vacancies

Role Title 

Fancy a Blether? Befriender 

Purpose of the role 

Volunteers help to reduce loneliness and social isolation for local people in Midlothian. Volunteers are matched with their Fancy a Blether? (FaB) partner to provide a friendly contact by telephone call, or in person, once a week. Volunteers support their FaB partner to create connections in their community and achieve personal goals. 

Where 

Telephone befriending is home based. 

Face to face befriending will take place public spaces such as cafes, libraries etc, and in specific agreed circumstances in the client’s home. 

When 

1-2 hours per week at a mutually agreed time. 

Tasks to be undertaken 

Tasks include: 

• Make weekly phone contact or face-to-face meetings with a client of the Fancy a Blether service 
• Fill out call log forms and send to Voluntary Services Manager on a monthly basis 
• Report any concerns in a timely manner 
• Maintain confidentiality and data handling procedures in accordance with NHS Lothian policies 
• Actively participate in training and review meetings 
• Support appropriate ending to the befriending match 

Tasks not to be undertaken 

• Fancy a Blether is not a counselling service; volunteers do not provide specialised support for mental health concerns 
• Volunteers do not provide support with errands (such as food shopping, collecting prescriptions) or household tasks (such as household cleaning, pet care, gardening) 

Skills, Attitudes and Experience needed 

Skills 

• Good listening and communication skills 
• Ability to be empathic, patient, and non-judgemental 
• Punctual and reliable 
• A warm, friendly, and professional approach 

Attitudes 

• Respect for confidentiality 
• Willingness to adhere to the boundaries of the role 
• Willingness to maintain regular contact with Volunteer Services Manager 

Experience 

• No previous experience required; full training is provided 

Support /Supervision 

• Induction and training course 
• Optional ongoing learning opportunities as part of NHS Lothian volunteer programme