Befriender

About the opportunity

Leeway are running a befriending scheme within our refuges. Befriending is offered to women feeling isolated to help grow their confidence and independence whilst living in the refuge. Befriending continues when they leave the refuge to help support the women resettle back into the community.

Important: This is not a counselling role as Leeway does not provide counselling to people who use our service. This opportunity is restricted to female applicants due to the nature of the role (S.7(2)(e) SDA applies. Exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1).

What are we looking for?

We are looking for flexible volunteers with previous experience or wanting to gain experience of supporting and empowering people. We are looking for people who have well developed listening skills to be a Befriender on a regular one to one basis. The role could see volunteers doing a variety of different activities, such as having tea/coffee and a chat, helping fill in forms and other practical tasks, accompanying women to appointments/shops.

Hours: We request two hours per week, for a minimum of six months. This arrangement needs to be flexible depending on the individual’s needs, and can be any week day, evening or weekend.

Support: We provide full support and guidance while you are volunteering and offer travel expenses.

Training: You will be given an induction to the charity, and training which includes Domestic Abuse Awareness, DASH Risk Assessment, Professional Boundaries & Confidentiality and Befriending.