NCBI’s Connection Network Programme is a free, confidential, befriending and informative service for our service users who are in need of social contact through a weekly telephone call. Staying connected during Covid19 to avoid isolation and loneliness was so important to our service users. We want to continue this in post Covid19 Ireland.
This programme offers an opportunity to increase the social network of our service users, reduce loneliness, share worries or concerns and increase a sense of community among people with sight loss and NCBI. Should you wish to avail of the Connection Network Programme please contact your Community Resource Worker.
We are looking for volunteers to help us to reach out to people to check-in with them, confirm their contact details, inform them of NCBI’s latest services and offer them the opportunity to re-engage with us should they wish to do so.
Volunteer’s Role
Volunteers on the Connection Network Programme will be required to make telephone calls from a list of service users who are either regularly engaged with NCBI or those who have received support from us in the past.
Training and support for volunteers will be provided throughout.
The duties of the volunteers will be:
- To be mindful of the general wellbeing of the person with sight loss, and to provide a friendly, listening, supportive experience during the call.
- To provide support and encouragement when needed through regular, friendly chats on the phone, giving individual attention to the person.
- To inform NCBI staff if further assistance is needed from NCBI services.
- To log calls using the online form provided.
- To attend training and adhere to the training guidelines.
- To attend peer review sessions as organised by the volunteer coordinator.
- Work as a member of a team with staff and other volunteers and participate in team meetings when required.
- To adhere to and respect the confidentiality of service user data.