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b:friend

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We pair volunteer befrienders with socially isolated older neighbours in the community to pop-in, once-a-week, for a cuppa and a chat. Can you befriend by sparing 30 mins, on the way to the shops or coming home from lectures, to connect with an older neighbour in your community.

b:friend Social Media 2020/21

This opportunity takes place until 31 Aug 2021.

Get involved with our digital projects to connect with the older people we support in local communities. This includes running Facebook live sessions, recording a short video for our Christmas DVD, and offering ideas for our Virtual Christmas Day celebration for our older members. Older people are high risk of social isolation and loneliness which impacts negatively on their mental health. As a volunteer you can make a positive difference to older people and we guarantee that you'll improve your wellbeing and mental health too!

During lockdown b:friend started to run Facebook live sessions for our isolated older people to watch and take part in. This gave them company and things to do when many were shielding and unable to leave their homes. We have continued running the sessions and are looking for volunteers to contribute wih any skills they may have. Examples include basic language classes, or pub quizzes

DVD recordings: do you have a talent or skill that you could share? Or a really funny story? Maybe a bit of poetry or a few jokes. We're creating a DVD this December to send to our isolating older neighbours across Sheffield and we'd like it to be filled to the brim with brilliant content to keep them entertained and engaged while they are stuck at home alone. If you can record a short five-minute video of yourself/your friends that we can include on the DVD and send it, via WeTransfer, to info@letsbfriend.org.uk

What skills do I need?

Any! We are looking for all different skills, anything you think people may like to watch or learn about. The confidence to deliver a session to camera is a requirement..

What will I gain?

Experience of showing your talents, of teaching a skill. Know that you are making a positive difference to someones life Improve your own wellbeing and mental health

Training and support

You will have contact details for the b:friend team who will help and advise on how a session is run, how to access facebook live and give any support you may need.

Time commitment

We ask for 30 minutes. It can be a one off or more regular depending on what you suggest.

Food

No

Travel

No

Childcare

No

DBS (criminal records) check

No

Location

From your own home
  • CausesOlder people, Social isolation
  • Frequencyone-off
  • WhenWednesday afternoon
  • Skills and InterestsArt and craft, Creativity, Digital and technology, Social media, Teaching
  • Careers and AspirationsArts, culture and heritage, Media and journalism, Teaching

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