Life-changes volunteer

Gloucester Life Changes – Navigation Volunteers

Role outline: Age UK Gloucestershire, British Red Cross and CRUSE are working in partnership to support people in the Gloucester area who are facing a significant ‘life change’ (losing a partner, a significant illness etc).  Together we aim to provide practical and emotional support to help individuals adjust to their new situation.  This multi-agency approach will focus on helping people overcome practical issues and then regain their confidence and self-esteem through heightened periods of anxiety and depression.

You will visit people in their own homes over a 12 week period providing support, reassurance and information to help individuals navigate their way through this difficult period of their lives.

Your role is as an enabler – to promote and stimulate interest in regaining a healthy and positive life and you will support people on this journey.  Your role will require varied input, from accompanying people to appointments or activities to just listening over a cup of tea and suggesting opportunities or signposting to other agencies.

Skills required:

·         A willingness to engage with older people and issues arising from a time of significant challenge

·         Patience, empathy and the ability to deal sensitively with a multitude of issues

·         Good communication skills

·         Reliability

·         Understanding the need for confidentiality

·         Knowledge of local services (although this will be included in training)

·         Sense of humour

Hours: Varied to suit around a 12 week commitment

Reporting to:  Life Changes Service Co-ordinator

All expressions of interest to be directed to Chris Walker 01452 422660 or email cwalker@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk

Tagged as: counselling, emotional support, life-changes, older people