Check in and Chat Volunteers (Telephone Service)

Our Volunteers make a telephone call at a regular time once a week, so our service users can enjoy a friendly chat from the comfort of their own home.  

What will you be doing? 

• You will make a weekly telephone call to an older person. This call could be between 10 and 30 minutes 

• Engage in meaningful conversation, providing a friendly voice to someone who may be isolated and lonely. 

• Complete a contact log at the end of your call which will be returned to the Check in and Chat Coordinator 

• Report the Chat Coordinator if any issues arise or if the older person needs to be signposted to another organisation for further support. 

• Provide reassurance. 

What skills/qualities do you need? 

• Reliable, friendly and approachable 

• Can build trusting and supportive relationships with older people over the phone 

• Excellent communication and active listening skills 

• Empathetic and sensitive approach 

• Ability to work independently, using your own initiative but knowing when to seek support 

• Ability to adhere to GDPR procedures to maintain confidentiality 

When? 

The role is very flexible and can be tailored to suit you and the older person 

What support will you get? 

A thorough and virtual induction training with an e-training pack (approx. 30 mins) 

A central point of contact (Check in and Chat coordinator) 

Supervisions and ongoing support 

What will you gain? 

• Fulfilment – feel good about making a positive, life changing difference to older people 

• Learn new skills 

• Gain social interaction and a chance to develop friendships 

• Gain knowledge on available services and activities 

• Boost your CV and increase your employability 

Why do we need you? 

Age NI’s mission is – Let’s change how we age” – but we need your help now, more than ever. 

In today’s challenging times, sadly many older people feel isolated and alone, especially during the festive season. There are currently 80,000 older people living alone in Northern Ireland, and many face Christmas alone. Older people are especially vulnerable to the effects of loneliness and isolation, and it has been proven to have a significant and serious impact on physical, mental, and emotional health. The detrimental impact includes rapidly increased frailty, a rising risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. Loneliness can contribute to early death and this risk increases with age. 

Additional Information: 

• This role is only suitable for those 18 and over 

• This role is subject to an informal interview, enhanced Access NI check and a reference check. 

• Once all recruitment paperwork is complete volunteers will attend a virtual training session. 

Ready to register? 

Contact: Val Gamble, Head of People & Development at volunteering@ageni.org or by telephoning 028 90245 729.