     
Hands Rochester 5A New Road Avenue Tel. 01634 830371 E-mail: Charity Number 284288 |
Have you ever thought how it must feel not to know what your own voice sounds like – unless you talk to yourself, or the pet? Family units are often spread right across the country making visiting difficult. Neighbours are out working all day and may have their own families to think about. Therefore it is not surprising that, for some people, loneliness becomes a part of their life. Hands’ Befriending/Visiting Scheme can change all that – but we often have more clients who would like a cup of tea and a chat than we have volunteers to visit them. THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP… By giving up an hour or two of your time, once or twice a week you can change the whole outlook of another person’s life. Once you take the step to volunteer with Hands’ Befriending/Visiting scheme we will ask you to come into the office. We will organise a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check (standard practice for all volunteers) and we will need you to provide the names and addresses of two people who can provide a reference for you. We will try to match the area where you live, your interests, your personality etc. with one of our clients. DON’T WORRY WE ARE BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY… We will make the initial introduction - someone will come with you on your first visit to introduce you to the client, and help make you both feel at ease. NOT WHAT YOU EXPECTED? Your volunteering should be an enjoyable experience. If you feel uncomfortable with any of the arrangements let us know immediately. We can often find you another client or even another charity to work with. The office is only a ‘phone call away and we can help solve any problems. We also regularly check with you to see how things are progressing. Please don’t feel pressured at any time, as the majority of our client/visitor relationships work extremely well. We will invite and expect you to attend the office for 6-monthly support meetings, where you will have the chance to discuss any issues and to meet other volunteers (refreshments provided). SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED… How often should I visit and how long should I stay? Once a week or fortnight is plenty and stay for just an hour or two. Once you have decided that you will continue visiting tell the client exactly when and for how long your visits will be. Try not to get drawn into a situation where the client depends on you too much. DO I GET TRAINING? Induction with one of our co-ordinators and training in many topics, including lone working and listening skills can be provided. Please let us know if you think you would benefit from training in other topics and we will do our best to arrange. SHOULD I GIVE OUT MY TELEPHONE NUMBER? No - we do not recommend this, ask them to phone the office and we can pass a message on to you. If you have to ring a client, dial 141 before their number and they will not be able to get yours using 1471. He/she wants me to do housework etc. - explain politely that this is NOT your role. He/she wants me to do shopping or collect their pension – the role does not include this, as confusion can arise about money given or change from shopping - also items could be very heavy. I’m concerned about his/her social circumstances, lack of help etc. - do let us know. We have contacts with other voluntary agencies and statutory services. We are available: Monday to Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm Call us on 01634 830371 |
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