To support the provision of short-term, structured befriending support for older people across Oldham borough to support older people to achieve defined personal goals, improve their confidence and independently access activities and groups in their local community.
In this role, you are more than a friendly face - you are a coach and a catalyst for change. Instead of an open-ended social visit, you will spend a fixed number of weeks helping an older person regain their independence, smash a personal goal, and reconnect with their local community.
Key information
- Start Date: 17th July 2026
- End Date: 30th March 2029
- Volunteer: Weekly
- Availability: Monday AM, Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM
- Tasks: What You Will Be Doing
• Working To Targets: Sit down with your match during week one to figure out what they want to achieve (e.g., walking to the local shop alone, learning to use video calls, or joining a nearby art class).
• Building a Plan: Break that big goal down into small, weekly steps that feel safe and manageable.
• Growing Confidence: Go along with them to new places or groups until they feel confident enough to go by themselves.
• Cheering Progress: Keep track of the small wins each week and remind them of how far they have come.
• Planning the Graduation: Celebrate their success at the end of the 24 weeks having helped them transition smoothly to doing things completely on their own.
The Kind of Person We Are Looking For
• Encouraging & Patient: You know how to motivate someone when they feel nervous or stuck.
• Focused: You can keep your weekly chats and outings centered around the goal you agreed on.
• Reliable: You can show up consistently for the short time your match is counting on you.
• Good with Boundaries: You understand the value of a short-term boost and can help someone transition away from the service without creating dependency.
• Local Savvy: You know your local area well or are happy to research community groups, bus routes, and activities.
• Prepared to undertake a DBS check
• Can commit to 3 hours per week ideally
• Car owner / driver ideally - Training: We offer out of pocket expenses, training, and support, and in return, you will join a great team and know that you are making a real difference in the lives of older people. Payment will be made to support the volunteer to attend activities with the older person they are matched with.
- Requirements: Own vehicle required, Driving license, Willing to travel by public transport or find own way to volunteering location
- Skill And Qualifications Required: Teamwork,Organising,Talking to others,Listening
- Interests: Health and wellbeing, Older people, Social care
- Activities: Befriending, Coaching, Driving, Support Work
- Home Based: No
- DBS Check: Yes
- Are Volunteer Expenses Reimbursed?: Yes
• Working To Targets: Sit down with your match during week one to figure out what they want to achieve (e.g., walking to the local shop alone, learning to use video calls, or joining a nearby art class).
• Building a Plan: Break that big goal down into small, weekly steps that feel safe and manageable.
• Growing Confidence: Go along with them to new places or groups until they feel confident enough to go by themselves.
• Cheering Progress: Keep track of the small wins each week and remind them of how far they have come.
• Planning the Graduation: Celebrate their success at the end of the 24 weeks having helped them transition smoothly to doing things completely on their own.
The Kind of Person We Are Looking For
• Encouraging & Patient: You know how to motivate someone when they feel nervous or stuck.
• Focused: You can keep your weekly chats and outings centered around the goal you agreed on.
• Reliable: You can show up consistently for the short time your match is counting on you.
• Good with Boundaries: You understand the value of a short-term boost and can help someone transition away from the service without creating dependency.
• Local Savvy: You know your local area well or are happy to research community groups, bus routes, and activities.
• Prepared to undertake a DBS check
• Can commit to 3 hours per week ideally
• Car owner / driver ideally