Marmalade Connections Volunteer
Marmalade Trust
A time-limited, phone-based service supporting people to form lasting connections in their community
Marmalade Connections supports those in our community who are the most socially isolated, and who experience chronic loneliness (feeling lonely all or most of the time). It's a time-limited, one-to-one project covering most of the South West. Based on the enabling/empowering social prescribing model, trained volunteers make weekly calls to project members for up to 15 weeks, focusing on their specific needs and interests.
Advice, Information & Support
Research, Befriending
Friendly and respectful – you may be the only person the project member is in contact with so a kind and understanding approach would be welcome. ● A good listener - project members may share personal details about their lives. An empathetic, patient, approach, and the ability to help people identify their own needs by listening to what they are telling you is really important. ● Reliable – it is important to build a relationship on trust by contacting the member when you have agreed to do so. We understand this may not always be possible, but procedure should be followed to avoid this. ● A good communicator – you may have to have some difcult conversations with members so strong communication skills are important.
Confidence on the phone, supporting someone who is currently experiencing loneliness
The actual day and time for the weekly phone call is arranged between the volunteer and the project member. The calls are approx 30 min a week, plus the volunteer will spend a bit of time looking into signposting opportunities. Allow 1.5 hours a week in total.
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Telephone based so volunteers can be based anywhere!
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