FAQ- Members
Q: Is it safe for Staff/Befrienders to come into my home?
A: Yes, all members and volunteers
are CRB checked and undertake extensive training, not only by
Healthy Friendships but external bodies also. Each
member of staff and volunteer has an identity badge that they will
show you on arrival. If unsure, please do not hesitate to contact
our office in Newtown on 01686 626221.
Q: Does it cost anything to join your organisation?
A: No, to become a member within
our organisation it is free. The only cost you shall incur is when
at an event where we ask members to contribute £6.00 towards their
meal, pay for entry for themselves and buy their own drinks. If you
choose to participate in raffles etc this is also at your own
expense.
Q: Do I have to attend events?
A: We encourage our members to
attend our events as this is an opportunity for a nice meal out and
to meet new people and have some fun. However, it is the members
choice as to whether they attend or not.
Q: How do I get to events if I want to attend?
A: If you are unable to get
transport to and from an event, a member of staff or volunteer would
pick you up and take you, and then return you to your door at the
end of the evening.
Q: How often will a Befriender visit me?
A: When you meet your Befriender, a
suitable arrangement would be agreed between both parties as to when
you will meet and activities you might like to do together. This is
entirely your choice.
Q: How do I contact a Befriender to cancel an outing?
A: If you are unable to attend a
pre organised meeting with a befriender or wish to cancel your place
on an event, please do not hesitate to contact our office to notify
us. We would appreciate as much notice as possible.
Q: What events have taken place before?
A: Existing members and staff have
been on a number of events some of which have included: Monklands
Cheese Dairy, Witley Court, Hampton Court, Stokesay Castle, Powys
Castle, Elan Valley, Day trip to Aberdovey, Theatre Productions at
the Wyeside Ludlow Christmas Lunch
Q: Can I bring a family member to an event?
A: Yes, we encourage our members to
bring family members/carers to our events. However, non members who
attend are expected to pay full price for food and other any other
costs they incur unless the individual is a carer.
FAQ- Volunteers
Q: Will I visit members in their homes?
A: Yes, you will be visiting
members within their own homes on times. However, predominantly you
will be picking up members from their homes to take out for lunch or
to an event. Full training would be given on lone working etc.
Q: What expenses will I receive?
A: You are entitled to mileage
allowance which varies depending on the size of your engine. As well
as mileage allowance you are entitled to subsistence providing you
are befriending for certain lengths of time or over certain times of
the day.
Q: What activities will I be involved in?
A: Some events we have attended so
far include Monklands Cheese Dairy, Witley Court, Hampton Court,
Stokesay Castle, Powys Castle and Elan Valley. We are always
attending new events and exploring new places.
Q: How many hours do I have to commit?
A: We appreciate any time you can
offer, therefore we are flexible with what you can commit to.
However, we do ask for six months commitment from all
volunteers/Befrienders to maintain consistency for our members.
Q: How many people will I befriend?
A: Depending on the time you are
able to commit to volunteering we would prefer our Befrienders to
utilise their time as much as possible and befriend as many members
as required.