Volunteer – Family/Parent Befriender (H360)

Volunteer could lead to paid position –

Are you interested in giving some support, a listening & companionship to families?

Do you have skills to engage with families & offer support in a non -judgemental way?

Why not Join Barking and Dagenham Children Care and Support and get involved with ‘Mentoring a Child’

Who is a befriender?

A befriender is somebody who offers support and companionship to individuals who may be isolated or need emotional/domestic support.

The role of a family/parent befriender

This is a unique & bespoke role which gives volunteers the opportunity to befriend families or a parent who may need someone to talk to, give guidance or help them through situations.

Families/parents you will be supporting.

All befrienders will be matched to work with, single parents or families who are struggling, feel isolated or just need support through a particular circumstance.

Who can apply?

We are seeking volunteers who have parenting experience, are non-judgemental & empathise with individuals.

Depending on the service, parent or family you will be working directly with, Befrienders will be responsible for some of the following:

Support in offering childcare whilst groups parent or family are attending important meetings.

Teaching skills such as cooking, cleaning, shopping etc

Supportive/check in phone calls

Pop in visits to listen, encourage & support.

Being a support buddy with parents to attend playgroups.

We expect you to:

Ø  Be relational & non-judgemental

Ø  Be a naturally approachable person

Ø  Have listening skills and be patient

Ø  Be reliable and committed.

Ø  Write reports/feedbacks

Ø  Have respect for the different and varied family environments, disabilities, ethnicities, cultural and social backgrounds that our community has

Ø  3 to 4 hours per week (which may include weekends) for a minimum one years.

Ø  Have access to computer (or similar device) and the internet

Mentors will learn how to:

Ø  Engage with families.

Ø  Become a Befriender.

This will be through experience and access to varied training in LBBD.

Benefits of the role:

Befrienders will have the opportunity to learn and develop various skills. We will provide training depending on who you will be matched with and additional mandatory training via council’s i-learning portal.

Travel expenses:

Travel expenses will be reimbursed.