Age Concern South Canterbury is looking for friendly visitors. The Age Concern Visiting Service is a befriending service that matches older people with volunteers who are keen to spend time getting to know them. This service aim to decrease levels of social isolation and loneliness for older people and increase social participation. This is achieved by matching a volunteer who spends 1 hour per week sharing their time in a conversation or activities with their older friend. This can be done in the client's home, taking them for a walk, or coffee. Matches are made carefully, on the basis of personality, shared interests, cultural needs, and location, and are regularly reviewed.
Volunteers should have a desire to offer companionship and support to older people in our community. They need to have empathy, be a good listener, respect the client's privacy and wishes. A very rewarding role and lifelong friendships are made.
The Visiting Service Volunteers, drivers and other volunteers have an initial interview, followed by a Police and referee's check.
Between 1/2 an hour to 1 hour.
The Visiting Service requirement is to spend one hour per week with the client.
Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Companionship