To facilitate the development of strong and supportive relationships with and among older people through Hourglass Northern Island’s services.
Hourglass NI is part of the well-established UK-wide charity, Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse), the only UK-wide charity dedicated to calling time on the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people. We’re dedicated to promoting safer ageing and a fairer society for all older people; delivering a range of support services from prevention and early intervention, right through to direct support and recovery.
Hourglass are enhancing our community-led services to provide a range of support to help those who have experienced abuse or exploitation, as well as any older person who may be at risk. We’re therefore recruiting a team of volunteers to help us deliver frontline support to older people and others – can you help?
Safer Ageing Volunteers may carry out the following roles:
* Promoting the work of Hourglass Northern Ireland & raising awareness of issues around safer ageing and abuse of older people.
* Making regular Safer Ageing phone calls or visits to older people.
* Acting as an advocate on behalf of an older person.
* Providing casework support to older people (or others) concerned about the abuse of older people and/or safer ageing, e.g. making calls or referrals to other agencies, providing information and advice, researching support options etc.
Skills and Qualifications
* Ideally looking for someone with relatable & professional experience such as, but not limited to, those from a care, finance, education, legal, HR, engineering or professional services background.
* Demonstrate commitment to Hourglass’s ethos of “Safer Ageing, Stopping Abuse”.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the experiences of and issues affecting older people.
* Are reliable and able to commit to the agreed hours, as well as initial training.
* Display patience, sensitivity, and resilience.
* Can maintain confidentiality and deal appropriately with sensitive issues.
* Have the ability to listen patiently and constructively, and provide advice and guidance in a non-judgemental manner.
* Can recognise and work within personal and organisational boundaries.
Full training and support will be given as appropriate, with further opportunities for learning and development. We will cover all out-of-pocket expenses, and arrange regular support meetings with other volunteers and staff.
Benefits to the Volunteer
Our volunteers will join a dynamic organisation, helping us shape our work to empower older people to experience safer ageing. Benefits include:
* Access to a range of training courses and events.
* One-to-one support, and support/networking with other volunteers.
* Building a network of friends and contacts in your local community.
* Giving your time, talents and skills for the benefit of vulnerable older people & their families.
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