One-to-one befriending and companionship

Creating Connections is a new and exciting prevention service for those aged 65 and over. It aims to reduce loneliness and isolation in Worthing through companionship, shared interests, and community participation. 

The one-to-one befriender role is a flexible and enjoyable opportunity to spend time providing emotional support and companionship to an older person and connect them to others in their community.  It will involve:

• Supporting an individual person for an agreed period of time, at a mutually agreeable time and location.
• Make regular phone contact and/or meet the individual by home visiting.
• To build up and maintain a close and supportive relationship to help the person to  rediscover social skills and increase confidence.
• To provide company and friendship, assist with shopping, go for a walk and share activities.
• To provide information and assistance to enable people to create connection with other people.
• Simple record keeping.

Skills

We are looking for friendly and reliable people who:

• Have great listening skills and an ability to communicate with a range of different people.
• Can empathise with older people who are feeling lonely or isolated.
• Have a non-judgemental attitude and is accepting of people's differences.
• Have some knowledge of local services in Worthing area.
• Can role model our Values, maintain confidentiality and comply with appropriate policies.
• Can work unsupervised in the local community (support and training will be provided).
• Can provide satisfactory DBS Check.

Benefits

• Making a difference to somebody's world, making them smile.
• Building friendships and reducing own isolation.
• Enjoyment and personal achievement.

Practical Considerations

This role will involve building relationships over time so an ability to:

• commit to meeting regularly for a number of weeks at a mutually convenient time
• travel to different homes, so access to transport will needed.
  

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Where does this role take place?

Register your Interest