Age UK Waltham Forest - Enabling Connections Befriender Volunteer

Ongoing

This role is delivered across the London Borough of Waltham Forest

The role in a nutshell:

Enabling Connections Befrienders offer companionship for isolated older adults in Waltham Forest, supporting them to increase their social connections and achieve their goals in life.

What will you be doing?

• To visit an isolated older person in their home, supporting them to achieve a goal or goals which they have set for themselves.
• To support the older person to undertake new activities, go to new places and gradually increase their social connections.
• To help the older person maintain and/or regain their self confidence, allowing and encouraging them to do as much as possible themselves.
• Offer social support, for example accompanying the older person to social events initially, and then encouraging the older person to attend on their own.
• Help the older person think about their goal, and help them overcome any barriers, referring back to the Befriending Co-ordinator where necessary.
• Keep the Age UK Waltham Forest Befriending Team informed of the older person’s general well being, any significant difficulties, incidents or concerns and the progress they are making towards achieving their goal(s).
• Attend Induction and training

How would you be supported in this role?

Induction - Attend a one-off induction training course of 2.5 hours.

Training – ongoing training.

Ongoing Support & Supervision - With a dedicated Befriending Team.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

As a Enabling Connections Befriender Volunteer you will help Age UK Waltham Forest, reduce loneliness and isolation by building a short-term but meaningful relationship with an older person. You will support them in engaging with and reintegrating into their local community. You will also help the older person make positive changes in their life and develop a social network through goal setting and regular weekly visits.

Additional information:

Time Commitment - 1-2 hours per week (plus travel time to and from the older person’s house) for a minimum of 6 months

Benefits & Perks

You'll be rewarded with Tempo Time Credits for giving your time.

Make a real difference – Bring companionship and support to isolated older adults, positively impacting their lives.

Flexible volunteering – Visits can fit around your work, family, or other commitments.

Short time commitment – Only 1-2 hour per week (plus travel), making it manageable even for busy schedules.

Personal growth – Develop communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills.

Social connection – Build friendships with older adults and join a supportive volunteer community.

Satisfaction and reward – The personal fulfilment of helping someone regain confidence and companionship.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

• Communication Skills – Ability to listen actively, engage in meaningful conversation, and communicate clearly.

Interpersonal Skills – Ability to relate to people on a one-to-one basis and build rapport.

• Empathy & Compassion – Understanding and responding sensitively to the feelings and needs of older adults.
• Patience – Willingness to give time and support at the pace of the older person.
• Observation & Awareness – Noticing changes in well-being, mood, or environment and reporting concerns appropriately.
• Encouragement & Motivational Skills – Helping older adults maintain confidence and independence, and move toward their goal(s).
• Reliability & Commitment – Regular attendance and consistency in visits, with an initial commitment of 6 months.
• Record-Keeping – Ability to keep brief and accurate notes of visits.
• Flexibility – Adapting to the needs and availability of both the volunteer and the older person.
• Teamwork & Following Guidance – Willingness to engage with the Befriending team, attend training, and adhere to policies.

To find out more please contact:

• Opportunity type
• Befriending and Wellbeing
• Skills
• Location

This role is delivered across the London Borough of Waltham Forest | Age UK Waltham Forest 58 Hall Lane London, E4 8EU United Kingdom

• Team
• Befriending
• Division
• Age UK Waltham Forest

How often do we need your help?

We will provide this information when you select the role of interest to you.