Volunteer Hub
Befriending
Organisation Details
The Widows Empowerment Trust
Sub theme: Older people, Religion
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Supporting widows and widowers who are socially excluded due to their bereavement.
Description of role: Volunteer Befriender Role Description
The Widows Empowerment Trust
Role Overview
Volunteer befrienders provide emotional, social, and practical companionship to bereaved spouses and widows who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation, or a lack of community support. This role involves regular home visits and telephone befriending, offering a compassionate presence, active listening, and encouragement.
Key Responsibilities
Provide friendly, regular companionship through scheduled home visits or telephone calls
Offer a supportive, non-judgmental, and empathetic listening ear to bereaved individuals
Help reduce loneliness, build confidence, and encourage engagement in community activities where appropriate
Maintain healthy and professional boundaries at all times
Record interactions appropriately while maintaining confidentiality
Follow the charity’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
Communicate any safeguarding concerns immediately to the appropriate staff members
Attend volunteer induction, training sessions, and occasional reflective practice meetings
Represent the Widows' Empowerment Trust with professionalism and cultural sensitivity
Skills and Qualities Required
Warm, compassionate, and patient nature
Excellent listening and communication skills
Ability to build trust and supportive relationships
Reliability and consistency in keeping appointments
Respectful, non-judgemental attitude towards people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow safeguarding procedures
Emotional maturity and the ability to remain calm when supporting individuals in distress
Basic record-keeping skills
Passion for supporting widows, bereaved spouses, and vulnerable adults
Full UK driving licence and access to a car (desirable)
Commitment
Minimum commitment: 2–3 hours per week (flexible)
Long-term commitment preferred to help build stable and trusting relationships
What We Offer
Full induction and ongoing training
Regular supervision and volunteer support
Reimbursement of travel or mileage expenses
A rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life
Contact Information
The Widows Empowerment Trust
Email: admin@widowsempowerment.com
The Widows Empowerment Trust
Role Overview
Volunteer befrienders provide emotional, social, and practical companionship to bereaved spouses and widows who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation, or a lack of community support. This role involves regular home visits and telephone befriending, offering a compassionate presence, active listening, and encouragement.
Key Responsibilities
Provide friendly, regular companionship through scheduled home visits or telephone calls
Offer a supportive, non-judgmental, and empathetic listening ear to bereaved individuals
Help reduce loneliness, build confidence, and encourage engagement in community activities where appropriate
Maintain healthy and professional boundaries at all times
Record interactions appropriately while maintaining confidentiality
Follow the charity’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
Communicate any safeguarding concerns immediately to the appropriate staff members
Attend volunteer induction, training sessions, and occasional reflective practice meetings
Represent the Widows' Empowerment Trust with professionalism and cultural sensitivity
Skills and Qualities Required
Warm, compassionate, and patient nature
Excellent listening and communication skills
Ability to build trust and supportive relationships
Reliability and consistency in keeping appointments
Respectful, non-judgemental attitude towards people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow safeguarding procedures
Emotional maturity and the ability to remain calm when supporting individuals in distress
Basic record-keeping skills
Passion for supporting widows, bereaved spouses, and vulnerable adults
Full UK driving licence and access to a car (desirable)
Commitment
Minimum commitment: 2–3 hours per week (flexible)
Long-term commitment preferred to help build stable and trusting relationships
What We Offer
Full induction and ongoing training
Regular supervision and volunteer support
Reimbursement of travel or mileage expenses
A rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life
Contact Information
The Widows Empowerment Trust
Email: admin@widowsempowerment.com
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Leadership, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Public Speaking, Team Working, Written Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Evening, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Wednesday Evening, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Thursday Evening, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon, Friday Evening, Saturday Morning, Saturday Afternoon, Saturday Evening, Sunday Morning, Sunday Afternoon, Sunday Evening
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 1-3 hours
Location:
Bizspaces Ltd
Manchester
M40 8WN