Volunteer - Befriender with Driving (Extra-Care Housing)

Job Description

Volunteers help to reduce loneliness and enhance the wellbeing of the tenants of extra-care housing developments in Midlothian. Volunteer Befrienders provide a friendly outing on a one-to-one basis e.g. visit to garden centre, cinema or a lunch out.

A minimum commitment of 2-4 hours a week. Outings can take place at agreed times from Monday-Sunday, during the daytime or evenings.

Requirements

Tasks Include:

• Drive and accompany tenants of extra-care housing, on a one-to-one basis, on friendly outings

• Research appropriate outings, considering accessibility

• Provide appropriate feedback to site staff including escalating any concerns or worries.

• Maintain confidentiality and data handling procedures in accordance with NHS Lothian policies

• Actively participate in training and support meetings

 

Volunteers do not provide:

• personal care (toileting, feeding, bathing, providing medication)

• Support with errands (such as food shopping, collecting prescriptions)

• Specialised mental health support or counselling

Responsibilities

Skills

• Full, clean driving licence

• Access to a car that is taxed, insured and MOT if appropriate

• Good listening and communication skills

• Comfortable making small talk and start a conversation

• Ability to 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 staff on site

 

Experience

• No previous experience is required, full training will be provided

The Individual

Support

• Role-specific training

• Site-specific induction

• Co-ordination and support from on-site staff

• Optional ongoing learning opportunities as part of NHS Lothian volunteer programme

 

Expenses

25p per mile travel within Lothian to and from home/ELC, 45p per mile for accompanying tenants to outings.

Additional agreed out of pocket expenses which are included which are incurred when carrying out this volunteer role will be reimbursed in line with NHS Lothian Volunteer expenses policy and signed off by the VSM.

Cost of activities will be covered by the Extra Care Housing Team.

 

To apply or find out more, visit https://www.nhslothian.scot/getinvolved/online-application-form/ Or email susan.rose@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk