Organisation Name:
The Wilberforce Trust
Organisation's Cause(s):
Disability Services
Local Community
Older Adults
Location of voluntary activity:
The Wilberforce Trust offices at Wilberforce House, The Grove, Dringhouses, York YO24 1AN, or a range of community locations around York.
When are volunteers needed: Times and days vary depending on volunteer and service users preferences.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Befriending / Buddying
Home visits
Volunteering with Older Adults
Role description:
Living with a visual or hearing impairment can sometimes limit the social opportunities available to our service users. Befrienders are able to provide valuable social contact by regularly spending time with someone, whether that’s in their home, out in the community, or through regular telephone calls.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide regular friendship and companionship to reduce isolation.
- Build a trusting, respectful and person-centred relationship.
- Encourage social interaction and support independence where appropriate.
- Maintain confidentiality, boundaries and safeguarding requirements.
- Communicate with and follow guidance from the Wilberforce Trust.
- Be reliable, patient and committed to regular contact.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
- Friendly, approachable and a good listener.
- Empathetic, patient and understanding.
- Respectful of individual needs, preferences and boundaries.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Flexible and willing to adapt to different needs and situations.
Befriending volunteers are asked to volunteer regularly for a minimum of six months.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Hearing impaired
Ongoing Volunteering
Vision impaired
Wheelchair users
Work Experience
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
- Experience the satisfaction of making a real difference to someone who may have very little social contact.
- Receive Sensory Awareness Training from a qualified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist.
- Develop new skills and gain valuable experience volunteering with a local charity.
- Enjoy ongoing support and guidance from our Volunteer Coordinator throughout your volunteering journey.
How to get involved:
To join our growing team of volunteers, please use the web link below to apply online. We'd love to hear from you!
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 12-08-2027