What is Southern Befrienders?
Southern Befrienders is a Manx Registered Charity (No 939) that was established in 2005 to coordinate a befriending service for the elderly in the southern communities of the Isle of Man. We currently have 160 service users (members) who are usually over the age of 60 and live in the south of the Island. Many of them live alone, but we also support couples and most live independently in their own homes, but we do visit those living in residential accommodation. We support women and men.
Our vision and aim is:
“For an inclusive community enriched by relationships across all generations”
This statement is at the heart of all our work.
What do Social Group Volunteers do?
Our social events are mainly held on Tuesdays, although we do hold events on other days from time to time (please refer to our latest programme).
For members that feel lonely and isolated, attending one of our social groups is an opportunity to get out of the house, meet their peers and make new friends over a cuppa and a biscuit. Social Group volunteers help our Social Events Coordinator to run one of our social events on a regular basis – usually the same type of event i.e. bingo, film afternoon, lunches, etc. Social Group volunteers ensure that everyone is welcomed, made comfortable and participate to the best of their ability in the activity. They set up the room, take the fees, serve refreshments and ensure the room is left clean and tidy.
When we are out and about, for example having lunch at a restaurant or pub, or a trip on the minibus further afield, our volunteers may support our more vulnerable members and generally work alongside our Social Events Coordinator in a variety of tasks. Volunteers are welcome to stay for any of our lunches.
What are the benefits of the Social Groups for Older People?
Older people face many challenges, particularly physical ones, which are easier to spot. However, a lot face the emotional challenges of loneliness and social isolation. An older person may go days without any face to face contact with others. Some may lose confidence to go out, particularly if they have suffered bereavement, especially if it is their spouse who has died, as they may have lost their sole companion. Others may be facing mobility issues, which may restrict access to social gatherings and other facilities. They may have downsized from their family home and moved to a different area, away from neighbours and friends.
The Social Groups are an excellent way for members to meet their peers and make new friends in an informal, friendly environment.
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 us so we can 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 attend induction training, when you will receive a useful pack of information.
What will you gain from the experience?
Our social groups are fun so helping can be rewarding and interesting. You will learn new skills like effective communication, dealing with challenges, active listening, etc., that will be useful in other aspects of your life, particularly at work. Hopefully, the main benefit is that you will enjoy volunteering, as part of a friendly, professional team.
What skills do you need to have?
The members that attend the social groups may not be as agile as they used to be and they might be facing emotional challenges such as loss and bereavement. You will need patience and a caring attitude. You will need to listen, and be empathetic to the physical and sometimes mental challenges facing the older person. You will need to be fairly organised and physically fit. You will need to comply with health and safety guidelines and ensure you follow the guidance provided by our Social Events Coordinator. Mostly though, our social events volunteers have a fun, “can do” approach to our events which helps to make them enjoyable for everyone!
Police Checks/CRB
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 our office in confidence on 833025 or contact@southernbefrienders.im