Background
Sight loss affects an estimated two million people in the UK, and with an ageing population this figure is set to rise. In addition to the trauma of sight loss, many people suffer further health, social and economic difficulties as a result.
Pocklington’s pilot telebefriending service which ran in 2009 was externally evaluated, those involved were interviewed and the service was found to be highly valued by the users. The primary reasons given for accessing the service was because it offered the opportunity for a friendly chat, emotional support, discussions around shared interests and hobbies and a way of accessing information about other local services and support available.
The service
We have identified that there is a lack of telephone befriending services running around and near to our Centres, so we will be launching a service initially to our visually impaired service users. Future plans will involve developing the service further afield.
Service users will receive one to one telephone calls from trained volunteers with calls normally lasting approximately 20-30 minutes. The service will be one of flexibility with the calls made at times that suit the participants. Volunteers will make the calls either from their own homes or from a Pocklington centre.
Can you help?
We are looking to recruit volunteers as telebefrienders.
- Living in or around the West Midlands, Devon or Greater London
- Across a range of ages – from 18-90!
- From a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures
- Your first spoken language does not need to be English
You will receive full training including visual awareness, communication techniques, listening skills and information on other services in order to effectively signpost where required. All agreed expenses incurred with regard to your volunteering role will be reimbursed.
If you think you would be interested in applying for a volunteering telebefriending role, please visit the volunteering section of our website and complete a registration form.
