Anchor is a not-for-profit provider of sheltered housing and services for older people. Anchor Care Homes are seeking volunteers to act as Befrienders to residents on a one-to-one basis. Volunteers make a real and positive difference to the day-to-day life of an older person in Leeds.
Befriending involves personalised activities, which could include
- Reading newspapers and magazines, or doing crosswords
- Helping with correspondence or to write memoirs
- Short walks, or accompanying residents on trips to the shops
- Supporting customers with communication difficulties.
Skills:
Volunteers need to be friendly and approachable with a caring and non-judgemental attitude. Being a befriender will allow you to develop your interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular focus on listening and empathy. Accredited training can be provided.
Commitment:
This is a flexible commitment and can take place during the week, in the evenings or at weekends, during term times or holidays. Volunteers should be able to participate for a minimum of four hours per month for six months.
There are now four sites you could volunteer at, each run by Anchor Care Homes, who are a not-for-profit provider of residential care and other services for older people across the UK.
- One in Headingley/Woodhouse, which is a nursing home and includes a specialist Dementia centre
- One in Guiseley, North West Leeds (10 minute train journey from Leeds station and then a 2 minute walk)
- One in Hunslet, South Leeds (easy to access by bus), which includes a specialist mental health centre
- And the newest addition to the Befriending scheme: in Lower Wortley, again accessible by bus.
Out-of-pocket expenses for travel will be repaid so it won't cost you to get to any of these sites. Volunteers will be CRB checked for this role.
To get involved, contact
Eileen Mellor, Anchor Volunteer Coordinator
eileen.mellor@anchor.org.uk | 07825403586
to request an application form.