Befriender - Royal Air Forces Association - Borth

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The RAF Association is a member-led charity that exists to ensure all members of the RAF family are supported in terms of welfare, when they require it. The Befriender role is at the heart of this charity objective and volunteers undertaking this role will be helping us to deliver this support to the RAF family. Essentially the aim of the befriender role is to help alleviate isolation and loneliness, giving time to listen and encourage communication on a shared interest or topic, leading to improving and developing enjoyable social networks.
A befriender volunteer carries out visits to and keeps in touch with members of the RAF family on behalf of the RAF Association. Befriender volunteers exist to provide companionship and to deliver outcome focussed support to a client and to ensure that they remain part of the community and feel socially connected to the wider family. The role of befriender is varied and could involve helping out with practical tasks such as mowing the lawn, as well as accompanying someone to an evening exercise class.
Befriender volunteers are required to:
• Regularly meet with a client, either in their home or at a mutually agreed location
• Listen to and engage with the client, promoting positive outlooks and raised self esteem
• Work within the remit of the Befriending plan and promote activities to find relevant interests for the beneficiary.
• Identify ways to connect with the other beneficiaries to promote friendship groups
• Identify any additional areas of support and make referrals to the Area Welfare Officer if required
• Record visits and maintain good records of activities, recommendations and actions
• Provide regular updates to the Area Welfare Officer, sharing good practice and knowledge
• Complete monthly returns cataloguing activity from the befriending plan.

Befriender volunteers need to be:
• Caring and Empathetic with the ability to build rapport with others and put them at ease through a friendly and sensitive approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and dependable
• Flexible in terms of who you will support and the times you will visit them
• Willingness to research and develop a good local knowledge of local social and community groups
In addition Befriender volunteers will need access to a car and be willing to use it for RAF Association purposes, as well as access to a computer and the internet in order to be able to submit reports to the Area Welfare Officer.
Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with RAF Association policy.
Volunteers must be aged over 18 and be able to work in a confidential and non-judgmental manner in line with RAF Association policies and procedures.
An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
Befriender volunteers are required to attend a one day training course.