The Formby Befriending Scheme is constantly recruiting new volunteers. Volunteers are needed for different roles we have, these are befrienders, coffee club volunteers and volunteer drivers. A brief description of each role is explained here:
- Befrienders – Befrienders visit an older person in their home or place of residence for a minimum of an hour per week. Befrienders are encouraged to take their Friend out, if possible, or signpost them to services available within their local area to reduce isolation or improve health and wellbeing. Volunteers and service users are matched on shared interests.
- Coffee Club volunteers – We require volunteers to assist in the smooth running of our monthly coffee club held on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Circle Room, Formby Methodist Church in Elbow Lane. This involves setting up, making drinks and snacks and generally chatting to people in attendance. Older people not associated with our Scheme also come but the coffee club is a good opportunity for befrienders to bring their Friends out for the afternoon.
- Volunteer drivers – Volunteer drivers are needed to transport older people to events such as the Coffee Club. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles provided they have the necessary insurance cover.
All of our volunteers require two references to check their suitability, will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check (the new CRB) and complete mandatory training such as safeguarding. Training is done regularly and the process will start as soon as your volunteer application form is submitted.
Volunteer forums are held regularly throughout the year and there is an annual social event to which all our volunteers are invited.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact us at:
Formby Befriending Scheme
Formby Methodist Church
4 Elbow Lane
Formby
L37 4AF
Telephone: 07437 479417