Volunteer Befriender supporting Aftercare
Learn more about the volunteer roles currently available, but if you have specific skills, ideas and enthusiasm, please get in touch.
Why we need you?
We have an exciting new opportunity to support our Aftercare Team. The Team provides professional clinical led support to our patients in the weeks and months following their emergency, but recognises that there is an ongoing need beyond the medical explanations and practical signposting and that’s where you could come in. Former patients often benefit from continued support from someone with an understanding of EAAA and the work we do, who can provide a friendly listening ear as the journey of recovery continues.
We recognise that this role might be challenging and emotive at times and will require some personal resilience to manage your own wellbeing. So, first hand experience of trauma, bereavement, or a transitional life event and an understanding of how trauma and life events can impact on physical and mental wellbeing would be a real benefit. It will be important for you to recognise issues and have the confidence to escalate as necessary. An awareness of outcomes and what you can realistically offer will be crucial to ensure that this is a supportive, but not supporting role.
What will I be doing?
- Supporting our patients to help alleviate isolation, by visiting or speaking to them at regular times, to build and maintain a trusting relationship.
- Empowering our patients to regain and rediscover social skills and confidence by encouraging them to be an active partner in the relationship rather than being a recipient of help or support.
- Enabling patients to make choices about engaging in further support by connecting with the other support organisations and our wider charity.
- Referring and signposting to other organisations and agencies that can support the befriendee’s health and wellbeing.
When can I volunteer?
1-2 hours a week which will include regular 1-1’s with the service co-ordinator.
What we’re looking for?
- Excellent listening, communication and people skills..
- An interest in and an empathy with people who have experienced trauma or bereavement.
- An ability to provide non judgmental support to people in difficult situations.
- An understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion.
- You will need to be honest, reliable, sincere and committed.
- Some knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, but full training will be provided.
- Counselling skills would be a bonus.
- Some knowledge of local services that can be accessed to support patients.
- A DBS check which we can arrange if necessary.
- A commitment to undertake training.
What’s in it for you?
- Join an inclusive and diverse organisation.
- Support our patient journey in a rewarding hands on way.
- Give back to your local community.
- Reasonable out of pocket expenses in line with EAAA’s Volunteer Expenses Policy.
- Full support is provided.
Interested?
Please complete our online application form.
For further information please contact info@eaaa.org.uk or call 03450 669999.
We look forward to meeting you!