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Volunteer Befriender – Birmingham

Location: Birmingham

Service: Birmingham Community Services  

Time commitment: One hour or more per week, flexible

Our befriending service supports people who are Deaf and hard of hearing in Birmingham who may feel lonely or isolated. We’re looking for volunteer befrienders to join our friendly team and help support the community. We are seeking volunteers who can support those who are hard of hearing and also those who use British Sign Language (BSL) and so are seeking sign language users for some volunteer befriending roles.

What will I be doing?

  • You will be matched to a Deaf or hard of hearing individual in the community who is feeling isolated
  • Visiting the individual in their home
  • Providing company, chat over tea/coffee
  • Sharing hobbies
  • Potentially supporting the individual to join one of our community groups

What availability and time commitment is required?

  • To be able to volunteer an hour or so of your time on a weekly basis
  • Ability to travel to the individual’s home

What skills and experience do I need?

  • For roles supporting BSL users, you will need to have BSL skills – from beginners wanting to practice skills to native speakers. We will be sure to match you with a suitable individual. For those without BSL skills, you will be matched with a non-BSL user.
  • Great communication skills
  • Great people skills

What support and training will I receive?

We will provide a local induction and initial training before you begin your volunteer role. During your induction you will be provided information about our organisation and given access to our policies and procedures. Our volunteer handbook is available with all the information relevant to volunteering within our organisation.

We provide regular support for all volunteers including having a nominated staff member. The nominated staff member will supervise your volunteering and regularly have catch ups with you about your volunteering. You will also receive ongoing training and development whilst volunteering with us.

Expenses

We aim to reimburse volunteer expenses, including travel expenses whilst volunteering with us.

Apply now

To apply for this role, please download the application form below and email it to us at volunteer@bid.org.uk or to find out more, please drop us an email or call 0121 246 6100.