The Routes to Roots programme is part of Turning Tides’ community response to the impact that homelessness has on peoples’ lives.

Routes to Roots offers an effective and inclusive menu of opportunities for clients to access including; befriending, mentoring, community connection and peer support.

At the heart of Routes to Roots is kindness and companionship, aiming to build connections on a one to one and community level.

Turning Tides’ supports our clients both face to face and over the phone.  Supporting people’s wellbeing is an integral part of the work we do.  Some clients have complex mental health issues and are supported by our specialist mental health team. Other forms of Wellbeing support come through key workers, other staff members and our wellbeing Befrienders with the focus on wellbeing and the development of self-management skills.

The volunteer will be supporting Turning Tides’ Well Being Team in order to sustain and develop high quality wellbeing support for Turning Tides clients. Turning Tides clients who are socially isolated and may just need a chat. The volunteer will support those clients with a focus to promote good mental well-being

• To have good interpersonal skills which include an approachable manner
• To have good listening skills
• To be flexible and adaptable
• To be patient
• To be consistent, reliable, trustworthy and honest
• To be able to maintain boundaries within a befriending relationship.
• To have a non-judgemental attitude
• To have empathy
• To have an ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner
• To have willingness to help raise self-esteem and confidence through a positive befriending relationship
• To have a willingness to participate in initial and ongoing training sessions
• Must be over 18 years of age

There are many areas a volunteer could be involved depending on their interests and experience. An example of some of the main duties are outlined below:

• Maintain supportive relationships with clients based on respect, whilst maintaining boundaries as per Turning Tides Policy
• To work on a 1:1 basis
• Provide a listening ear and signpost as necessary.
• to communicate with the team leaders and raise any concerns immediately
• to respect your friend’s right to confidentiality
• Providing a brief summary of your conversation with individuals so contact can be logged and feedback to the Turning Tides Well-being team

Training will be given to support your role and will include; Professional Boundaries, Coproduction, Equalities and Diversity, Safeguarding and other online/reading material will be provided to assist you.

Key contacts will be provided along with a check in/ check out procedure.

Post meeting support will be provided via the phone and email.

Due to the nature of this role a commitment for a minimum of 6 months is preferred.

The Befriending Scheme would have no fixed end for the client i.e. it would not automatically end after a certain amount of sessions. However, the support would be reviewed after a six week period to ensure that both parties were satisfied with their friendship, or at any time from the client or Befrienders request.

Reasonable expenses can be covered. This can be discussed with the Team Leaders.

Application form required with 2x references, Volunteer induction, informal 1:1 discussion and an enhanced DBS

For more information please contact the Routes to Roots team on:

Email: befriending@turning-tides.org.uk

Phone: 01903 680743