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| Befriending Scheme |
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 The VCC befriending scheme matches volunteers with service users, based on shared interests, the service users’ needs and the volunteers’ motivation and availability. Initially a volunteer will visit a service user for an hour each week, on a day and time suitable to both. However, as a relationship develops, a volunteer may visit a service user for longer, or take on an extra task such as light shopping, or helping with correspondence.
Our service users are usually referred to us by social services, health services or other professional bodies. Our service users are from all walks of life and are facing a wide range of issues. For example, a volunteer may befriend an elderly man who has been bereaved, a younger woman who is isolated or housebound through disability or low self esteem.
The befriending scheme covers the Forest Hill, Sydenham and surrounding areas.
Befriending involves a minimum commitment of six months from the volunteer.
If you would like to find out more then you can view our task description below or email sarah@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk.
Task Description
What does being a befriender involve?
You will be visiting an isolated, lonely or vulnerable person for an hour each week, usually in their own home.
What else might be involved?
As the relationship develops you may wish to take on additional tasks such as shopping or helping with correspondence. If you are willing to take on additional tasks you must discuss these in advance with the Organiser to ensure that you will be covered for the activity under our insurance and so that accurate information and statistics are kept by the Organisation.
 For example, you may be matched with a service user who would like you to visit a lunch club with them once they have regained their confidence, you might help them complete forms they find confusing or perhaps, pick up some light shopping for them on your journey over. Relationships vary greatly and you will be fully informed of what is expected of you before you start. Any extra help the service user needs has to be agreed by you and the Organiser. If you do not wish to take on extra responsibilities an additional volunteer will be found for the service user.
You will also be expected to attend VCC support sessions for all volunteers (held 3-4 times each year).
How long will I have to commit to?
Befriending involves a minimum commitment of 6 months. There is no maximum length and many volunteers will befriend a service user for many years.
How frequently will I visit someone?
A 1 hour visit once a week is the recommended length and frequency. However, as the relationship develops, the volunteer and service user may wish to make visits less or more frequent or for longer than 1 hour. It is the volunteers’ responsibility to inform the Organiser of any changes, which must be discussed and agreed with the Organiser and the service user.
Who will I befriend?
Service users are usually referred to the centre by Social and Health services. We also take referrals from friends, neighbours and sometimes the service users themselves. Our service users come from all walks of life and are facing a wide range of issues. For example, you might befriend an elderly person, or someone younger who is isolated through self-esteem or disability. All of our service users live in the Forest Hill & Sydenham area.
Volunteers will be matched with service users at interview stage according to interests, preferences and geographical location.
 How are we introduced?
Volunteers are given a photocopy of a letter we send out to service users detailing the time and date of their first visit. You will be expected to take this letter with you on your first visit as proof of your identity. The Organiser will phone both the volunteer and the service user after the visit to see how this went and deal with any potential problems.
Do I need any experience?
No experience is needed. However, an ability to listen, engage in friendly conversation and respect other’s views is essential.
The Organiser is here to support you in your voluntary work and therefore welcomes feedback whether it is about any concerns you may have or just keeping up to date on your progress.
VOLUNTEERS RESPONSIBILITIES
As a befriender for the Voluntary Care Centre, you will be expected to;
- Allow the service user to talk whilst you ‘listen actively’.
- Develop a trusting relationship to support and, where appropriate, enable the service user to pursue social activities and life skills.
- Engage in friendly conversation. It is important not to impose your opinions and beliefs on the service user.
- Respect others’ views.
- Be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Inform the organiser of any concerns that arise.
- Be punctual: if you are unable to keep an appointment, you must inform the service user or the centre in good time (48 hours in advance when possible).
- Inform the Organiser of any unattended appointments.
- Inform the Organiser of any change to the length, frequency or nature of visits. (changes need to be agreed by the Voluntary Care Centre for monitoring and insurance purposes)
- Attend all relevant training and support sessions, including initial wheelchair pushing training (where appropriate).
- Agree to abide by the Equal Opportunities Policy of the Voluntary Care Centre.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Comply with VCC’s risk assessment guidelines.
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VCC at the make a difference awards
Thursday 4th March saw the first Make a Difference Award ceremony (held by Lewisham Council in partnership with Volunteer Centre Lewisham) which celebrates the contribution that volunteers make to the borough of Lewisham.
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Sponsored walk update & abseil
Due to restricted resources at the VCC, we will not be holding a walk again this year. However, we do have five people raising money for the VCC by participating in a Sponsored Abseil on Sunday 4th July. The abseil will be down the side of Kings College Tower.
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Fundraising quiz night
On Friday 26th March, ten teams competed to be VCC quiz champions. Participants paid £5 each to enter and contributed generously to our raffles.
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VCC Referrers day
On Wednesday March 10th, the VCC held their annual Referrer's Day. This is an opportunity for us to spread the word about the work of the VCC and ensure that other organisations have the right information about what we do.
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March - volunteer support session
On the afternoon of Wednesday 24th March, police support community officer Daryl Angus came to talk to volunteers about many of the issues concerning local people in the Perry Vale Ward of Lewisham.
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