Travel Companion Volunteer Role

Travel Companion Volunteer Role

Project role (Temporary) · Flexible hours · For around 6 months
Flexible location
BefriendingSupport work
Older peopleCommunity & familyWellbeing
1 No Poverty3 Good health and well-being7 Affordable and clean energy
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Age UK Norfolk
#56999
Scan me or visit www.getinvolvednorfolk.org.uk/o/Age-UK-Norfolk/opportunities/Travel-Companion-Volunteer-Role/56999 to join

Contact person

Laura Hawkie-ChapmanAsk Laura a question

Summary

Age UK Norfolk’s Travel Companion Project supports older people on journeys either on public transport or by the other means such as walking, cycling or taxi.

Detailed description

This project is to increase the older persons confidence and reduce their anxiety, that many people now experience after such a prolonged period of isolation during the Covid pandemic.


Main Purpose

To provide tailored support to older people at risk of loneliness, to increase their confidence to get out and about.


Main Responsibilities

1.    Liaise with and report to staff (e.g., Project Coordinator/ Project Administrator) about the older person/ people who the Volunteer Travelling Companion has been matched with.

2.    Understand the specific needs and goals of the individual engaging with the project, in order to better support them.

3.    Provide personalised support to older people to help them to meet their goals.

4.    Using pre-existing data recording templates, collect monitoring information from each support session and share with the Project Coordinator/Project Administrator as applicable.

5.    To adhere to the policies and practices of Age UK Norfolk.

 

General Skills

Essential

·       Excellent communication skills.

·       Excellent active listening skills.

·       Ability to adapt sessions if the older person’s goals or circumstances change.

·       Ability to relay information and instructions in a clear, accessible, relevant and personable way.

·       Ability to work with learners with different levels of knowledge and skill.

·       Ability to maintain confidential communication where applicable.

Desirable

·       Good digital skills in order to assist older people, if necessary, to access travel information online.

·       Knowledge of local transport providers.

 

Behaviours and Values

·       Willingness to understand the issues and barriers affecting older people, specifically with regards to accessing transport and loneliness/ social isolation.

·       An open-minded approach to individuals, avoiding judgement and stereotyping.

·       Enjoy working with others.

·       A commitment to and understanding of equal opportunities.

·       Honest and reliable.

·       Patient and understanding.

 

Salary and Benefits - This role is a volunteer role and therefore salary is not applicable. Benefits to be confirmed by recruiting organisation.

Experience - No specific experience required.

Qualifications and Education - No specific qualifications or education required. 

Training - Full training and ongoing support is provided. A satisfactory DBS

(criminal records) check is required.

What we will provide to volunteers

💸 Reimbursement of costs🤝 Extra support
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About Age UK Norfolk

Every year, thousands of older people and their carers turn to Age UK Norfolk for support. Whether it’s advice in a time of need, help filling out complicated forms or a friendly chat when they’re lonely, we are here to help.

But we couldn’t do it alone. Our dedicated team of volunteers are the backbone of our organisation and without their help; we simply would not be able to deliver all the services that we do.

No experience is necessary, and whatever your talents and interests, there is likely to be a voluntary opportunity where you can share your knowledge, make new friends and make a real difference to the lives of older people in Norfolk.

For more information about our volunteer roles and to gain access to our application form please visit our website or contact our Volunteer Coordinator on 01603 785210 or email at [email protected]