Established over 30 years ago, Friend In Need (FIN) is a charity that provides services, practical and emotional support to the elderly and disabled people in New Barnet, East Barnet and surrounding areas. FIN welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds to take part in our endeavours to making a difference to the vulnerable adults living in our community. Travelling expenses are reimbursed at 45p per mile or with original receipts (Oyster Card online print out is acceptable).
Join us today – Click here to download our Volunteer pack where you can fill out your information and return it to Rebecca@fin-eastbarnet.org.uk or hand it into the FIN office during working hours. Alternatively you can Call 020 8449 8225 and speak to Rebecca to find out more.
| Role | Time commitment / Tasks | Person Specifications |
| Activity Centre Helpers Fixed hours on weekdays | The Activity Centre is open on Monday to Thursday. Volunteers may choose to work half day (9.30am – 1pm or 12.30pm – 4pm) or full day (9.30am – 4pm). | Respectful, friendly, caring, approachable and able to work as part of a team in a busy environment. Volunteers help to serve food and beverage to the elderly who attend our day centre, clear up afterwards, assist clients with mobility difficulties etc. Volunteers may also involve in organising social interactions and activities for members. |
| Be-Frienders Flexi hours on weekdays, evenings or weekends + Telephone befriending | Volunteers visit elderly or disabled adults who live independently in the community for one hour a week. Befrienders do not provide care or help with domestic tasks. Common activities during visits are chatting, tea/coffee, card games, board-games etc. Volunteers arrange their own visiting times to suit themselves and their clients. | Friendly, reliable, respectful, caring, good listener, non-judgmental. |
| Floating Support & Event Helpers Flexi hours on weekdays, evenings or weekends | There is no specific time commitment; when a request is received, volunteers are contacted to find out who is able to do the job. Volunteers should indicate what days and times they are normally available. Floating Support volunteers may be asked to help on different tasks including accompany clients to medical appointments, help at the Activity Centre, Reception, Transport or Fund Raising Events. Please tell us the areas of work you would like to participate. | Flexible, friendly, helpful, approachable, supportive and enjoy helping others. Volunteers who intend to use their own cars must have appropriate licence and insurance. Insurance company should be informed of voluntary activity but they do not normally increase the premium. |
| Admin/ Receptionists Fixed hours on weekdays | Reception is covered Monday to Friday. Volunteer may choose to work half day (9.30am – 1pm or 12.30pm – 4pm) or full day (9.30am – 4pm). | Good communication and telephone answering skills. Experience on administrative and computer tasks are added advantage. Reliable, responsible, take initiative, friendly, respectful and able to work as part of a team in a busy environment. |
| DIY Helpers Flexi hours on weekdays, evenings or weekends | Volunteers do not need to commit to a specific day or time. When a request is received, FIN will contact DIY volunteers to discuss the job and their availability. | Good at DIY but not expected to be at professional level, although people with relevant qualifications are welcome. Volunteers are normally requested to do basic DIY work only. |
| Travel Assistants (Escort) Fixed hours on weekdays | Volunteers may commit to one or more sessions: 9.30–11.00am or 3.30–5p.m. Monday–Thursday or Saturday. Alternatively, volunteer may offer to be called on an ad-hoc basis to cover sickness and other absences. | Friendly, helpful and respectful. Volunteers travel on the minibuses helping with picking up and dropping off day centre members. Volunteers shall assist members on and off the bus and to and from their doors. You need to be friendly and reasonably fit. Training provided. |
| Mini Bus Drivers Fixed hours on weekdays | Volunteers are needed to support the Transport staff normally to cover in case of holidays or sickness. The minibuses are also used for outings, shopping trips etc and may be driven by volunteers who have the appropriate license and experience. | Careful drivers and able to supervise travel assistants. Appropriate and full driving licence required (all our vehicles have manual transmission). To drive the minibuses you must over 25 and under 70. MPV’s – a valid licence. Assessment needed. |
| Activity Facilitators Flexi hours on weekdays | A position for volunteers who have special skills (eg. Play a musical instrument/s, teach exercise, organise games / art & craft) or any other talent that may help engaging our clients or improving their general wellbeing. |
| Car drivers | Using your own vehicle to take people to appointments, such as medical. The current government fuel & mileage rate is paid. |
Friend In Need Community Centre 