Volunteer Befriender - Hitchin

About the role

As a Befriender with Brainkind you will provide companionship to people during a difficult time in their lives and enable people to do the things that matter most to them. You will be helping Brainkind provide the best possible care to people with acquired brain injuries and neurological conditions that require complex care, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness.

• Visiting a person with whom you have been matched for companionship
• Sharing hobbies and interests to build a connection and rapport
• Providing regular one-to-one companionship
• Developing a supportive relationship based on trust and understanding
• Going for walks or engaging in creative activities together
• Sharing memories and stories
• Take part in one-to-one recreational activities such as reading or playing board games

1-2 hours per week but this can be flexible to support both your needs and those of the person you will be supporting.

• A friendly and supportive approach
• Reliability and trustworthiness
• An understanding of the importance of working within guidelines and always reporting any concerns to a supervisor

• Ensure you have a clear idea of what your role involves
• Make sure you have all the training you need
• Ensure you feel appreciated and respected
• Provide you with regular support
• Ask for feedback and provide you with opportunities to help shape our future
• Celebrate your successes and recognize your contribution
• Resolve any concerns or complaints promptly and fairly
• Reimburse any agreed out-of-pocket expenses

• Gain valuable experience and skills
• Make a real difference
• Join a supportive and welcoming community of volunteers and employees that celebrate diversity and individual differences
• Make new friends and feel connected
• Build your confidence and improve your own wellbeing
• Enhance your CV and future job opportunities

• Demonstrate a commitment to undertaking relevant checks, training, and following all Brainkind’s policies and procedures
• Adhering to health and safety and fire regulations and cooperate with the charity in maintaining good standards of health and safety
• Promoting a positive attitude towards diversity and inclusion
• Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information, following data protection regulations, to protect those we support

• All successful candidates are subject to compliance checks including 3 years of checkable references and DBS/PVG checks