This network members focused discussion took place on 21 November 2024. Here is a summary of the discussion with lots of tips and useful links.

Training and safeguarding

Some of you are looking at projects where volunteers can reach those socially isolated community members and engage with them and in some cases get to a position where volunteers could be trained to go into people’s homes.

There are organisations who have been providing volunteer support in people’s homes for many years, however those that have never done this before are struggling to get approval around safeguarding and insurance cover.

For those that do offer volunteer home support, the volunteer will receive additional training including scenario training. Volunteers are asked to document any concerns and are trained to have guided conversations. If the person being visited is unable to put their heating on or there is a lack of food in the home this can be reported and escalated.

Making every contact count - guided conversation training

The volunteers going into homes also have a support network with handbooks and contact numbers.

Epilepsy Action runs a remote befriending service and uses a system called TOGETHERLY which helps them to flag safeguarding concerns. The volunteers connect with the service users on the phone or via video call. TOGETHERLY records the calls and has an AI element built in so that it can alert them to any safeguarding concerns. The volunteers also use ASSEMBLE to report any safeguarding issues that they may have picked up on a call. By using both systems they are able to manage safeguarding issues efficiently.

It is a relatively new platform, but they do work with a number of charities. Togetherly | Where well-being starts with being well connected

To help you get started there is an excellent example of a project, The Falls Prevention programme, where exercise volunteers go into people's homes. More information and examples of operating procedures, training, service level agreements etc. can be found in the Resources Library

Finding a suitable match for home visits – Hospice example

• First there is an initial assessment of the person and their home environment to gain information about their likes, dislikes and their health.
• The VSM will then find a volunteer who could be a suitable match for the person being supported.
• The VSM will take the volunteer for an introductory meeting and ask them both separately how they felt and did they want to continue. The matches don’t always work the first time.
• Another check is done after 6 weeks, and the friendship can be kept going for as long as they both wish.
• Being linked to a hospice there is support out of hours via the reception.

Areas where there is a need

• Areas of high hospital admissions from an older demographic.
• Rural areas.
• Resettlement families. Helping them to integrate and take part in their new community.
• Long term illness and end of life

Ideas for collaboration and advertising for new volunteers

• Housing associations
• Libraries
• Supermarkets

Set up community groups and hubs

Community groups and one-on-one mentoring

• For example, Coeliac UK have drop-in sessions all over the country run by volunteers. Many parents with young children diagnosed with the condition are coming to these meetings for support.
• East Sussex Group Tackling Loneliness Hub

Set up Groups for volunteers

• Coffee and catch-up groups.
• Development meetings with guest speakers.
• Workshops
• Zoom sessions for those who work and can’t attend daytime groups.
• Facilitate an opportunity for volunteers to come together and breakdown the stigma of loneliness with a discussion about it.

How do people in the community find groups

• Social media
• Posters and leaflets in local cafes, libraries and doctor's surgeries

Volunteer role examples

• Befriender volunteers in hospital settings
• Befriender volunteers visiting people at home
• Telephone service
• Clinical volunteers
• Community exercise volunteers – falls prevention
• Community volunteer drivers – taking patients to and from appointments

More roles can be found in the Volunteer Role Library

Volunteer surveys

• Use surveys to find out if your volunteers feel anxious or disconnected.
• A survey is also an opportunity to find out if volunteers would be interested in further training.

More useful links

• Tackling Loneliness Hub – A community for people working on loneliness
• Home | Campaign to End Loneliness