Community Friends

Community Friends is a service covering all of Kirklees, it aims to tackle loneliness and isolation through matching volunteers with clients. Volunteers will meet or call their “friend” once a week, to engage in positive conversation and build companionship. We are always looking for new volunteers, so if you can spare an hour a week, and want to help someone in your local community, keep reading!

What does this role involve?

  • Visit or call your friend once a week for an hour.
  • Engage positively in conversation with your friend.
  • Monitor the wellbeing of your friend.
  • Complete a weekly log and submit it to the Community Connections team.
  • Complete reviews with the Community Connections team at key points during the friendship.

Who are we looking for?

  • 18 years and over, living in Kirklees or willing to travel.
  • Empathetic nature and kind personality.
  • Willingness to attend in-person and online training sessions.
  • Ability to follow procedures, including health and safety guidelines.
  • Commitment to inclusion and diversity.
  • Ability to commit to weekly conversation for a minimum period of 6 months.

What’s in it for you?

  • Reimbursed travel costs when volunteering.
  • Induction and training tailored to your role, including health and safety and safeguarding.
  • Full support from our friendly team.
  • Access to volunteer events and training sessions.
  • Access to regular steering groups
  • Meaningful experience supporting your local community.
  • Great skills to put on your CV.
  • Invites to social events throughout the year.

Onboarding Process

  1. Submit your application by clicking “apply now” and filling out the form.
  2. We will invite you for a casual interview at one of our offices.
  3. If you are successful, we will send reference requests to your referees.
  4. We will process a DBS check for you. We cover all expenses, but you will need to fill out an online form and provide ID/documentation for us to confirm.
  5. Attend an in-person training session.
  6. Complete online safeguarding course.
  7. Onboarding complete!

If you have any questions, or would like to have a chat about any of these roles before applying, please send us an email at [email protected] and we will get in contact with you as soon as possible.

Click HERE to apply.

How to apply

If you are interested in this role, please complete the application form plus any additional role specific forms found at the top of this page, and return it to [email protected] before the closing date.