What is Southern Befrienders?
Southern Befrienders is a Manx Registered Charity based in Port Erin that supports around 160 older men and women with volunteer befrienders and regular social events in the southern communities of the Isle of Man. Many of them live alone, but we also support couples. Most live independently in their own homes, but we also visit people living in sheltered accommodation. Befrienders visit our service users (members) on a regular basis for a cuppa and a chat. We have nearly 130 volunteers, made up of Befrienders, those that help with social outings and fundraising activities, administration, marketing and the Board of Trustees.
Why do we need your help?
Southern Befrienders employs four part-time staff. Between them they work the equivalent hours to one full time employee and handle all aspects of the service including the recruitment and training of volunteers, referrals to the service, assessments, matching volunteers with new referrals, on-going support for volunteers and members, organising and running social events and outings, as well as running events to raise funds, applying for grants and keeping the office running!
What can you do to help?
The office is very busy and no two days are the same! Preferably, we need someone who can make a regular commitment to helping in the office – a few hours each week so the volunteer can undertake regular tasks.
Tasks we need support with include:
- sending out ‘thank you’ letters and other correspondence
- sending birthday cards to members and volunteers
- scanning documents
- filing
- shredding paperwork
- assisting with mailings
- following up references for new volunteers
- updating our confidential database
- ensuring we have enough stocks of paper, envelopes, leaflets
- arranging volunteer social events
- keeping our office, filing cabinets, cupboards and store rooms tidy
- ensuring collection buckets are clearly labelled
- sorting items for sale and/or raffle at table top sales, fairs, etc.
- welcoming volunteers and members who visit the office
- answering the phone and clearing the answerphone
- count donated cash, issue receipts and go to the bank (we pay mileage)
- collect and replace collection boxes in the south (we pay mileage)
- replenish stocks of leaflets in post offices, etc
More about the role…
- You would be based at our offices at Thie Rosien for about 2 – 3 hours per week on a mutually convenient day – Monday to Thursday during office hours
- Initially, training would take place on Monday or Wednesday afternoons until you feel confident about the tasks
- We would prefer you to help us on the same day each week or each month, if possible, but this is not essential as long as you can commit to mutually agreed dates
- There are desktop computers with keyboards in our office
- There would be tasks that need doing regularly and others that are done as the need arises
- We would ensure that you are supported in prioritising tasks
- You should be able to use Word and the internet, and have a very good knowledge of Excel if you are updating the database
- You would work confidentially and observe our policies on data protection and safeguarding
- You will be empathetic and caring as members and volunteer may visit or phone our office for support
What training and support will you receive as a volunteer?
Once you decide to volunteer for Southern Befrienders, you will have an informal meeting with one of our team who will run through the role and explain about professional boundaries and confidentiality. You will need to complete the application form and start the police check (DBS) process. You will receive induction training, when you will receive a useful pack of information and then training on specific tasks on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon until you feel more confident.
What will you gain from the experience?
There is great satisfaction in knowing that you are making a difference. You will enhance your skills like active listening and effective communication; skills that are useful in all aspects of your life, particularly at work. You will join a friendly, busy team who really value your support and make you feel welcome.
What skills do you need to have?
Good computer skills are important i.e. MS Office specifically Word and Excel, but you may be able to offer specific skills in marketing, PR, training, producing management information, etc., and a willingness to listen, patience, a caring and empathetic attitude and of course, commitment, as we will rely on your regular support.
You will need to comply with our data protection, safeguarding and confidentiality policies.
Police Check / References
We need two references and obtain a full police check (DBS) for all our volunteers. If you have any concerns about this or want more details please contact us in confidence.