Bench Warmer- Active Listener

(CFS Counselling + Wellbeing, MatureMinds, Barrie - Anne St S)

Position ID: V-BAR0206
Last Modified: 14 Nov 2023
Last Full Update: 07 Sep 2023

Opportunity Details: Bench Warmer- Active Listener

Contact Jenna Wickens, MatureMinds Coordinator, CFS Counselling + Wellbeing; Phone: 705-627-1716 * 705-726-2503 ext 140; Email: jwickens@cfssc.ca
Duties

Bench Warmers are friendly people who allow others to engage in conversation in either parks or malls. Studies show that loneliness has the same dire consequences on physical health as smoking a pack a day! Social connection is so needed (and often lost in the shuffle of busyness and technology) and MatureMinds Friendship Bench offers an opportunity for interaction and social engagement. The implementation is simple but the results are deep and  meaningful. Volunteers will receive training in active listening, self care, mental health awareness, and ageism. After successfully completing the training, volunteers become Bench Warmers. They sit on a bench either at a park or in a mall with a sign that says "If you want to talk, I want to listen." Be part of the cure for the loneliness epidemic! Become a Bench Warmer.

Benefits Social connection, helping others, skill development, interaction with different cultures and various people, volunteer support.
Ages 125 year(s) and under
Areas of Interest Community / Neighbourhood Volunteering ; Community Outreach ; Friend / Penpal ; Social Interaction
Skills/Experience Communication & Interpersonal Skills ; Confidentiality ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Listening Skills ; Patience ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor
Commitment Length Short Term (3 months or less)
Interaction Level One-on-one ; Small Group
Minimum Hours 2 / Week
Seasons Summer - Outside on park benches ; Winter - Inside on a mall bench
Location Barrie, Orillia, Bradford
Number of Positions Barrie ; Simcoe County 
 
12 individual(s) needed in total.
Training Orientation ; Training is provided
Cost Free
Police Check Required
Additional Requirements Volunteer application, references
Liability Insurance Available
Community Sets Barrie ; South Simcoe ; VC - North Simcoe ; VC - Orillia & Area ; VC - Simcoe County ; VC - Simcoe, Muskoka, Parry Sound District, Bruce, Grey, Peterborough & Northumberland

Agency Details: CFS Counselling + Wellbeing, MatureMinds, Barrie - Anne St S

Office Phone 705-726-2503
Toll Free Phone 1-888-726-2503
Fax 705-726-2570
E-Mail info@cfssc.ca
Website cfssc.ca/
Address & Map
20 Anne St S
Barrie, ON
Canada L4N 2C6