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.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

- Experience supporting vulnerable adults in befriending, social care, mental health or a community setting.
- Experience of caseload management, assessment and matching.
- Experience of recruiting, supporting and supervising volunteers.
- Understanding of loneliness and isolation in older people, including those living with dementia or poor mental health.
- Knowledge of safeguarding adults, risk assessment, lone working and data protection.
- Strong organisational skills and confident with IT and client record systems.
- Excellent communication and a person‑centred approach.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to travel independently across North West Leicestershire.

Why Join Us?

- Make a difference: You will be part of a vital service that provides a lifeline to individuals in emotional and mental distress.
- Supportive team:



Work alongside a dedicated and compassionate team of professionals who your commitment to helping others.
- Development opportunities: Access to ongoing training and professional development.

If you're passionate about mental health support and have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in providing vital support to those who need it most. Location: Age UK premises in Ashby-de-la-Zouch [LE65 1AF], with travel across North West Leicestershire

Contract Type: Permanent, subject to continuation funding (funded by North West Leicestershire District Council to 31 August 2028, with a possible one-year extension)

Hours: 20 per week, worked flexibly by agreement

Salary: £14.05 per hour (£14,652.18 per annum)

Closing date: 30/09/2026

Interview date: To be confirmed

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV, cover letter, stating why we should consider you for this role, or complete an application form, which can be found on our website, or email [email protected]

Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

How to Apply

Please return the completed forms by email to [email protected] If you do need to send hard copies please mark the envelope Private & Confidential, and post it to:

Human Resources,

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland,

Lansdowne House,

113 Princess Rd East,

Leicester,

LE1 7LA

📌 Befriending Coordinator (Age)
🏢 Age UK
📍 Age