Walthew House – Befriender – VI 1-1

REF: 6874f0a07f4f4

Walthew House is an independent local charity providing practical and emotional support to people in Stockport who are blind, visually impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing or who have dual sensory loss. We pride ourselves on our person centred, empowerment based approach and as part of this approach we also promise the following: • To match the needs of the charity with the skills, knowledge, experience and areas of interest of the volunteer, promoting equality of opportunity for all volunteers • To ensure that paid staff are trained to work with volunteers and will listen and learn from what they have to say, encouraging two-way communication and a supportive and friendly atmosphere • To ensure that volunteers receive an induction and appropriate training to help them deliver in their roles, and timely and accurate information about the charity • To try to resolve fairly any complaint or grievance • To reimburse agreed volunteer expenses promptly • To ensure the health, safety and welfare of all Walthew House volunteers whilst undertaking their volunteering activities and that all activities are compliant with current legislation • To offer one to one support with a member of staff • To offer regular peer support sessions • To celebrate our volunteers for any achievements and wins

Role

Help someone with sight loss feel connected, confident, and supported ✨ Join VI 121 – a new community project from Walthew House, Stockport. We are looking for new volunteer befrienders who will be matched to a blind or partially sighted befriendee. The partnership will enable blind and partially sighted people to take control and feel empowered in their lives. What does a befriender do? ✅ Build a supportive partnership ✅ Provide person-centred support ✅ Help reduce isolation and loneliness ✅ Empower others to live well No experience needed — just compassion and a willingness to listen. You will be asked to attend an induction and full training will be given throughout.

When:

Where:

Various SK locations

Other:

What we ask from our volunteers: To maintain and uphold Walthew House’s good name and the reputation of the charity • To aim for high standards of commitment, efficiency, reliability and quality in all aspects of their work for Walthew House, undertaking training as may be appropriate to the role and providing information for monitoring purposes as required • encouraging two-way communication and helping to foster a pleasant working environment • To work within the policies and procedures of the charity – e.g. health and safety, equal opportunities and service user confidentiality, seeking advice from staff where there is uncertainty and ensuring that all activities comply with current legislation • To bring any concerns or complaints promptly to the attention of the staff Equal opportunities for volunteers Walthew House is committed to promoting and expanding relevant needs-led services and believes that in every area of its activity and influence it should ensure equal opportunities for all. In pursuing its aims, Walthew House is committed to the fair treatment and equality of opportunity for all volunteers regardless of age, disability, ethnic background, family status, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants. Opportunities for volunteering are promoted extensively throughout Stockport through all appropriate methods and channels of communication. Working practices • After a successful application, potential befrienders are asked to attend an interview with the project team • To familiarise themselves with the charity • References will be sought for all volunteers undertaking a befriender role and a Criminal Records (DBS) check will also be required.

Closing date for applications:

31 January 2026

Who to contact:

Nina Chesworth

Walthew House

Organisation description:

Walthew House is an independent charity in Stockport that provides practical and emotional support to people who are Blind, Visually Impaired, Deaf, Hard of Hearing or who have Dual Sensory Loss. The charity was founded in 1882 and is named after its founder John Walthew, a former Mayor of Stockport. We provide a range of social activities, befriending, advocacy work, training and much more.

Organisation type:

Registered Charity

Company location:

112, Shaw Heath, Stockport SK2 6QS

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