Telephone Befriender

Deafblind UK members have combined sight and hearing loss and many can feel lonely or socially isolated. We offer a free telephone befriending service where we match volunteers with one of our members to have a weekly 30 minute chat together.

We are looking for confident, empathetic and friendly people who can hold a good conversation. You could be chatting about similar interests or learning about each other’s lives. Whatever the conversation you’ll be having a positive impact.

One 30 minute call seems really simple but having someone to talk to and someone to listen, could really make a difference to our members. It could be that you’re the only person they speak to that day, or even that week.

Our members love to chat with people who have had some life experience and stories to tell. You will need good communication skills and be able to strike up a conversation. You will also need to be reliable, patient with a naturally warm and friendly nature.

We will ensure you are supported throughout your journey with us, offering training and support at all times.

Main tasks and responsibilities 

• Contact predominately older people with acquired deafblindness. 
• Establish and build a befriending relationship.
• Call/email an identified Deafblind UK member at a mutually convenient time on a regular basis. 
• Enable the person to discuss topics of their choice. 
• Engage in conversations of mutual interest and to provide encouragement to maintain the flow of conversation for the allotted time. 
• Provide monthly updates of your volunteering activity to your named Deafblind UK contact to flag any concerns or queries. 

Benefits to volunteer 

• Be part of a friendly and dedicated volunteer team. 
• The satisfaction of knowing you will be making a genuine difference to real people's lives. 
• The opportunity to build on your communication and social skills. 
• The opportunity to learn and gain a wider understanding of dual sensory loss. 

What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, experience and qualifications

• Willing to share their own personal interests with members.
• Have genuine interest in others and getting to know them. 
• Someone with a good understanding of confidentiality.
• Non-judgemental and empathic with the ability to actively listen. 

When do I need to be available?

Details

We are looking for a weekly commitment of one hour to make a befriending call.