Through training and supporting volunteers and working with residents, our Community Befrienders programme offers a lifeline to hundreds of isolated people across Hackney. Our volunteers make weekly calls or home visits, and go on days out with the person they are matched with. These isolated people range in ages from 18 to 98 years old, and come from hugely diverse backgrounds, speak multiple languages and include refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. They may have mental health issues and/or long term physical health conditions, may be housebound, or just needing some social support and company.
Our volunteers offer a crucial social lifeline and confidence boost to these residents by making either one to one weekly visits or phone calls, supporting people to leave their homes, overcome anxiety and enjoy local activities. Through their engagement, they also play a vital role in alerting us to arising needs such as housing issues, food and fuel poverty, which we then refer to appropriate services.
Often the volunteer may be the only person the service user engages with over the course of the week, and is able to lift their mood by focusing on shared interests and by pursuing shared activities.
The Programme Manager will be required to manage all existing aspects of the Community Befrienders Programme, as well as contributing to its ongoing development, including but not limited to overseeing fundraising, creating and strengthening relationships with partners and stakeholders, maximising volunteer opportunities and expanding ways to reduce social isolation and bring communities together. The Manager is a senior member of staff and from time to time, and as the need arises, will be asked to oversee other relevant volunteering projects/programmes.
Salary: £34,320 per annum pro rata
Hours: Part-time or full-time (3, 4 or 5 days/week)
To apply for this role, please email a completed application form (all sections – A, B and C) to [email protected] OR by post to Lauren Tobias , Volunteer Centre Hackney, 12-13 Springfield House, 5 Tyssen St, London, E8 2LY, by 9am on Monday 25th July 2022. If you have any questions about the role, please call Lauren on 020 7241 4443 ext 2001 or email her at [email protected].
Volunteer Centre Hackney is committed to promoting and valuing equality and diversity in all of our activities. We welcome and celebrate the diversity of the communities in Hackney and are strongly committed to achieving equal opportunities and access for all people and groups in society. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds including people with disabilities or support needs, to apply for this opportunity as we really want applicants to reflect the diverse demographics of Hackney residents. If submitting a written application is not the best way to tell us about your skills and experience, please let us know and we will discuss your needs with you.
Community Befrienders Programme Manager – Job Description
Community Befrienders Programme Manager – Application Form A
Community Befrienders Programme Manager – Application Form B
Community Befrienders Programme Manager – Application Form C