Befriending Cafe Volunteer Sidcup

Age UK Bexley operates a number of Befriending Café’s across the borough in partnership with other voluntary and statutory organisations. This opportunity represents a critical part of the charity’s developing community presence and its work in reaching new audiences.

In this role you will lead and/or assist sessions and activities for older people on behalf of Age UK Bexley and in partnership with other local organisations.

Responsibilities and Main Duties:

Meet and greet older people attending the cafe

Prepare and serve refreshments

Take any queries about older people's services and signpost to Age UK Bexley

Join in with activities

Clear the area, put away chairs (if applicable) and wash up

Keep basic monitoring figures (e.g. numbers and names of attendees and number of enquiries received)

Social groups for older people have been proven to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, enhance emotional wellbeing and improve cognitive function and this volunteering opportunity helps achieve these outcomes for the guests who attend.

What skills do I need?

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• A willingness and ability to participate in mandatory training sessions as and when required
• A genuine interest and concern for older people
• A willingness and ability to work as part of a team
• An ability to advocate for and support the interests of older people using Age UK services.

Person Specification:

• An enthusiastic and positive outlook; willingness and ability to get involved
• Empathy with older people
• A warm, polite and friendly manner
• Good communication skills
• Reliable and dependable

Volunteers must be over the age of 18, willing to undertake a DBS and mandatory training and willing to make a regular weekly commitment.

In return, you will receive training and ongoing support and invitations to social events.