Justlife’s Social Connection project supports people moving away from homelessness by helping them connect with their local communities and build positive social networks and healthy relationships. The project aims to help people overcome social barriers, isolation, and loneliness.
Our befriending project allows somebody moving away from homelessness to be matched with one of our trained volunteer befrienders. They meet once a week in the community and do an activity of their choice, whether that's going for a walk, trying a new activity, or just going for coffee and a chat. We try to match people according to their shared interests and hobbies, lived experiences, or identities.
Skills
We are seeking people who are passionate about helping others connect with their communities. We are looking for people who are non-judgmental, reliable, patient, and flexible. While prior experience in mentoring individuals with lived experience of homelessness or working with the homeless community and other marginalised and vulnerable groups is beneficial, it is not a requirement. We welcome people with lived experience of homelessness.
Benefits
- The satisfaction of helping someone reach the final step of exiting homelessness.
- Monthly one-to-one supervision, regular reflective practice sessions, and a training program
- Volunteer socials
- Funded travel and refreshment expenses.
- An opportunity to volunteer ad hoc on our wellbeing activities and outings.
Practical Considerations
Time commitment
Matches usually meet up weekly for a minimum of 6 months and meet thier match for one hour a week. Many of our befriending matches last longer than 6 months, which the client, volunteer and Social Connection coordinator determine through regular reviews.
When do I need to be available?
Start Date | 21/03/2025 |
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End Date | 15/05/2025 |
Details | 1 hour weekly, exact meeting times will be agreed by the two parties. Attendance of one-to-one supervision, reflective practice and training is expected. |
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Where does this role take place?
- Interests
- Civic Responsibility and Communities
- Health and Social Care
- Homeless and Housing
- Mental Health
- Substance Misuses and Addiction
- Activities
- Supporting People and Befriending
- Details
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Disabled Access
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Equal Opportunities Policy or Statement
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Expenses
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Health and Safety
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Induction
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Insurance Cover for Volunteers
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Other
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Suitable for 13 - 16 years
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Suitable for 16 - 18 years
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Suitable for a group of volunteers
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Suitable only for (e.g. 18+, LGBT, BAME, Women only)
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Support on Offer
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This role is adaptable for different abilities
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Training