Befriending Coordinator – North West Leicestershire Befriending Scheme
Contract Type: Permanent, subject to continuation funding (funded by North West Leicestershire District Council to 31 August 2028, with a possible one-year extension)
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is looking for a Befriending Coordinator to join our friendly team and deliver our befriending service in North West Leicestershire, funded by North West Leicestershire District Council, supporting older and vulnerable people who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
You will be the day-to-day driving force behind the service across the district: managing a caseload, carrying out assessments and home visits, matching people with trained volunteer befrienders, and setting up local Friendship Groups that help people reconnect. It's a varied, people-focused role with the chance to make a real difference in our community.
About Us:
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is more than a Charity, we are a lifeline to older people in our local community.
Part of our mission is to support older people in their everyday lives and help them to live independently. We are dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture and are recruiting for a detail-oriented and proactive Retail Administrator to join our team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess people referred in, including home visits, and match them with the right volunteer befriender.
- Manage a caseload, reviewing people's progress and wellbeing.
- Set up and run local Friendship Groups and coffee mornings that help people reconnect and grow in confidence.
- Recruit, induct, supervise and recognise a team of volunteers.
- Promote the service to GPs, social prescribers, First Contact Plus and community partners.
- Risk assess home visits, venues and activities, and uphold safeguarding standards.
- Keep accurate records and provide quarterly reports and case studies to the Council.