Volunteer

Description

ALONE is a national organisation that supports and empowers older people to age happily and securely at home.
We support individuals and their families, work with other organisations, and campaign nationwide to improve the lives of older people.
We work with all older people, including those who are lonely, isolated, homeless, living in poverty, or are experiencing other difficulties.
We support them through these challenges to help them find long-term solutions. For more information, visit www.alone.ie

 

What is Visitation Support and Befriending?
Visitation Support and Befriending is a supported one-to-one relationship between a volunteer and an older person who has been linked in with ALONE.
The ALONE Support and Befriending service provides companionship and practical support to older people who would like extra social contact through a weekly volunteer visit.
The Support and Befriending service is designed to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, provide assistance to solve everyday problems and enable older people to feel secure at home.
Volunteering with an Older Person might present challenges at times, ALONE staff will always be there to support you in dealing with difficult situations.
Please Note: This is not a supported volunteer role, you will be attending visits alone.

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

• Providing one-to-one companionship to an older person by visiting them at least once a week.
• Providing basic practical support for the older person where necessary*, such as helping with assessing information, making a phone call, noting appointments, etc.
• Supporting the older person you are visiting to attend local activities and integrate with their community by encouraging them to join local groups and initiatives for older people.
• Contacting ALONE if there are concerns for the older person’s health, safety, or welfare
• Advocating for the older person where necessary. This might mean making a phone call on their behalf or helping them fill in a form.
• Attending training and following the ALONE guidelines throughout your time with ALONE.
• Participating in ALONE volunteer surveys and assisting older people in ALONE service surveys, when possible.
• Participating in check-in calls with Volunteer Support Officers to discuss any issues or address any challenges you may be facing in your role.
  
  * Volunteers are not substitutes for home-help or care assistants and should not take on these roles)

Skills required for this role:

· To have a genuine interest in older people
· To be respectful and committed to the values and aims of ALONE
· A caring, understanding and friendly attitude
· To be patient, reliable and have good listening and communication skills
· To be non-judgmental and respect the confidentiality of the older person and of all records that you come into contact with

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Minimum time commitment: 1 year Hours required: 1 hour weekly

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
Garda Vetting Informal Telephone Interview References Application Form Identification Check (photo ID etc…)