Become a Friendline Volunteer
One of life’s great pleasures is making a new friend – finding someone who shares your interests, your priorities or maybe just your sense of humour. But making new friends often gets harder as we get older.
Friendline is a telephone friendship service that connects people who want to rekindle the joy of chatting to a friend with volunteers willing to give a little bit of their time on a regular basis. Reaching out and volunteering for Friendline can give an older person something new to look forward to in their week and help them avoid the negative effects of loneliness and isolation.
Friendline connects trained volunteers with older people through a weekly 30 minute telephone call. Each volunteer is selected and matched with someone with shared interests and the objective is to develop a mutual friendship.
Introduction.
With the support of our team and resources, you will be helping someone who wants to broaden their contacts especially with people who share their interests. The Age in Spain telephone friendship service is about making a positive change in someone’s life and gaining a new friend in the process. This role is a remote opportunity that can be done from anywhere in Spain, or even abroad, provided you have a good internet connection and computer or mobile telephone (smartphone). We are looking for applicants who are available to have a weekly chat and offer their friendship from a distance.
As a Friendline volunteer you will:
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Make a call (via the internet) to the person you are matched with, usually at the same time and day of the week on a regular basis.
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Enjoy a 30 minute friendly chat with your telephone friend once a week.
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Make the free call using your own computer or mobile phone through the Age in Spain internet call system. The work requires a good internet connection and your telephone number is not shared.
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Commit to at least 3 months of volunteering initially.
What's involved.
Age in Spain will provide an initial induction including comprehensive online training to equip you for your role. You will be supported by the Friendline manager and be part of a friendly team of volunteers.
We ask for a commitment of 1 hour or more volunteering per week, including weekly support at first, making your call and then occasional catch ups with the Friendline manager.
The Friendline project will run initially until March 2021 in its pilot phase, with a view to incorporating it into Age in Spain’s core service provision longer term. We are looking for volunteers who can commit initially to a minimum of 3 months.
Support and training.
Time commitment.
Essential
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Regular access to a telephone/computer/tablet with good internet connection
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Fluent in spoken English
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Good people/interpersonal skills
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Articulate with good verbal communication skills
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Good listening skills
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Good phone manner and enjoy chatting on the phone
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Ability to relate to others, build rapport and empathise
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Commitment to equality and diversity principles
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Be open to regular evaluation and feedback
Desirable
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Experience of expatriate life in Spain
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Experience working with or supporting older and vulnerable people
Your skills and experience.
We are currently accepting applications