Peer Support Volunteers

• Telephone Peer Support Volunteer
• Outreach Peer Support Volunteer (home visit)
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) is a established organisation working to prevent the abuse of older people
This role is open to all aged from 18 to 90 years old. The title Peers Support & Support Volunteers will perform the same duties. This distinction of role titles, more accurately reflects the age ranges of volunteers & the elders they are supporting
, to contact the client to arrange a first meeting, on a one to one basis, possibly in the client’s home.
• Introduce the client to activities or groups they might not have tried before, but would like to.
• Support the client to overcome any barriers to commence recovery from issue or concern relating to recovery.
• Undertake and or work towards mutually agreed goals as stipulated in Client individual development plan
• Create and adhere to buddy friendship agreement
• Encourage and motivate the client to be more physically active, or to engage socially or take other steps to improve their health and wellbeing.
• Discussing with the person what activities they might like to try.
• Arranging to attend activities with the person you are supporting using the mode of transport they will use after you withdraw support.
All Volunteers receive support, including one to one support, advice & guidance and training in all the volunteer roles

We look for people who understand and empathise with the scheme’s objectives, who have relevant experience (which could include experience of people with disabilities but this is not essential) and who can demonstrate a professional but friendly approach

• Good listening and communication skills essential.
• Patience and tact.
• A caring, sympathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgemental approach.
• Reliable/dependable/flexible
• To be able to recognise and work within personal and organisational boundaries
• Understanding of confidentiality (working with AEA policies and procedures).
• Commitment to understanding the needs of older people.
• Have a positive outlook and be enthusiastic.
• Willingness to help raise self- esteem/confidence through a positive befriending relationship.
• Willingness to work without direct supervision.

All Volunteers receive support, including one to one support advice & guidance and training in all the volunteer roles
Travel & lunch expenses are also provided

Action on Elder abuse is a national organisation, based in London and is currently setting up branches in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Action on Elder Abuses vision is a society which values older people and one in which they and other adults can live free from abuse perpetrated by those in whom they have an expectation of trust. Where such abuse occurs, Action on Elder abuse (AEA) seeks an environment in which it can be identified and addressed.
The Peer Support Volunteer project is to bring together older people in order to support each other through a peer to peer and intergenerational volunteer support service.
The objective is to provide a support network which enables survivors of elder abuse to achieve full recovery and put the trauma behind them.
The positive impact volunteer’s peer to peer support for survivors can be far reaching.
The volunteer & client relationship can improve a client’s emotional and physical wellbeing.