About the Organisation
AFC Fylde Community Foundation works with AFC Fylde and local organisations, using the brand of football and the power of sport to engage, empower and enable the Fylde population to fulfil their potential and thrive. The Foundation's aim is to engage all members of the Fylde community, helping them make a positive difference to their lives and addressing the inequalities that exist across their communities. Its values are collaborative, inclusive and diverse, innovative, supportive, ethical and transparent, and environmentally sustainable.
About the Role
The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to AFC Fylde Community Foundation to continue and expand its Loneliness Prevention Project. The Foundation is recruiting a Loneliness Prevention Co-ordinator to lead the project, working with isolated older adults on an individual and group basis to reduce social isolation and loneliness. The role centres on delivering tailored, holistic support designed to improve wellbeing, build confidence and encourage community engagement among older adults.
The postholder will co-ordinate and deliver the project alongside local partners and stakeholders, supporting existing groups to remain accessible and sustainable while establishing new community groups shaped around participants' needs. The role reports into the Community Engagement Manager.
What You'll Do
Lead and co-ordinate delivery of the befriending service within the Community Connections project, ensuring project objectives, KPIs and targets are met
Receive and triage referrals into the project, matching individuals to appropriate support and signposting to alternative services where needed
Lead delivery of the existing Companions group and identify opportunities for new Companions groups across the borough
Build trusting relationships with participants, providing holistic and personalised support to older adults
Work with the Community Engagement Manager to recruit volunteers with the necessary skills and lived experience
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with community partners and stakeholders including Age UK, Fylde Council, Lancashire County Council, local Primary Care Networks and social prescribers, representing the Foundation at relevant networking forums
Liaise with participants' wider support networks and local partners
Launch an Older Adults Advisory Board, giving participants a say in shaping delivery
Recruit, train and support a small team of volunteers to help shape and deliver engaging, inclusive activities
Work with the Community Engagement Manager and Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator to explore new opportunities supporting over-55s across Fylde
Oversee safe delivery of activities, including risk assessments and health and safety procedures, and maintain accurate monitoring and evaluation records
Flexibly support the delivery of other Foundation projects and activities, including evenings and weekends, when required
What They're Looking For
Essential:
At least 2 years' experience working in the voluntary sector, health or social care, in direct contact with people, families or carers (paid or voluntary)
Experience in person-centred, holistic planning and delivery of support, particularly with older adults
Experience recruiting and maintaining participation in community-based programmes
Proven track record working with multiple agencies and stakeholders to support participants and promote services
Experience working with individuals one-to-one and supporting them into positive pathways
Experience developing community groups tailored to participants' needs
Experience supporting older adults to overcome barriers to accessing community provision
Experience using online monitoring and evaluation tools to manage projects/programmes
Experience of lone working, managing a caseload, and keeping self and participants safe while working in the community
Full UK driving licence and use of a vehicle
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to plan and prioritise own workload and that of others
Ability to be proactive and decisive when leading programmes/projects
Excellent knowledge of local referral agencies and the ability to engage them in the project
Understanding of Fylde and the issues facing older adults in the community
Professional and compassionate outlook, able to be supportive while maintaining clear professional boundaries
Self-motivated with the ability to work well within a team
Ability to perform under pressure and respond calmly to competing demands
A "can do" attitude and commitment to continuous professional development
Desirable:
Mental Health First Aid
Experience co-ordinating volunteers
Good knowledge and understanding of policy and practice in Adult Social Care and Health
Practical Details
Location: Fylde Sports and Education Centre, Mill Farm, Wesham, PR4 3JZ
Contract: Fixed term (to August 2029)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £26,500–£27,500 per annum
Benefits: Company pension scheme, 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), charity worker discounts, bespoke Learning and Development programme, free holiday camp places for age-related dependants, staff uniform, free on-site parking, Employee of the Month rewards
Vetting: Subject to safer recruitment practices; successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
Interviews: Dates to be confirmed
How to Apply
Submit a CV (2 pages maximum) and covering letter (2 pages maximum), clearly outlining how you meet the person specification, to the Foundation's Head of Operations, Daniel Monckton, at dan.monckton@afcfylde.co.uk by the closing date. For further information or to discuss the vacancy, contact the same address.
Apply for this role →
AFC Fylde Community Foundation works with AFC Fylde and local organisations, using the brand of football and the power of sport to engage, empower and enable the Fylde population to fulfil their potential and thrive. The Foundation's aim is to engage all members of the Fylde community, helping them make a positive difference to their lives and addressing the inequalities that exist across their communities. Its values are collaborative, inclusive and diverse, innovative, supportive, ethical and transparent, and environmentally sustainable.
About the Role
The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to AFC Fylde Community Foundation to continue and expand its Loneliness Prevention Project. The Foundation is recruiting a Loneliness Prevention Co-ordinator to lead the project, working with isolated older adults on an individual and group basis to reduce social isolation and loneliness. The role centres on delivering tailored, holistic support designed to improve wellbeing, build confidence and encourage community engagement among older adults.
The postholder will co-ordinate and deliver the project alongside local partners and stakeholders, supporting existing groups to remain accessible and sustainable while establishing new community groups shaped around participants' needs. The role reports into the Community Engagement Manager.
What You'll Do
Lead and co-ordinate delivery of the befriending service within the Community Connections project, ensuring project objectives, KPIs and targets are met
Receive and triage referrals into the project, matching individuals to appropriate support and signposting to alternative services where needed
Lead delivery of the existing Companions group and identify opportunities for new Companions groups across the borough
Build trusting relationships with participants, providing holistic and personalised support to older adults
Work with the Community Engagement Manager to recruit volunteers with the necessary skills and lived experience
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with community partners and stakeholders including Age UK, Fylde Council, Lancashire County Council, local Primary Care Networks and social prescribers, representing the Foundation at relevant networking forums
Liaise with participants' wider support networks and local partners
Launch an Older Adults Advisory Board, giving participants a say in shaping delivery
Recruit, train and support a small team of volunteers to help shape and deliver engaging, inclusive activities
Work with the Community Engagement Manager and Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator to explore new opportunities supporting over-55s across Fylde
Oversee safe delivery of activities, including risk assessments and health and safety procedures, and maintain accurate monitoring and evaluation records
Flexibly support the delivery of other Foundation projects and activities, including evenings and weekends, when required
What They're Looking For
Essential:
At least 2 years' experience working in the voluntary sector, health or social care, in direct contact with people, families or carers (paid or voluntary)
Experience in person-centred, holistic planning and delivery of support, particularly with older adults
Experience recruiting and maintaining participation in community-based programmes
Proven track record working with multiple agencies and stakeholders to support participants and promote services
Experience working with individuals one-to-one and supporting them into positive pathways
Experience developing community groups tailored to participants' needs
Experience supporting older adults to overcome barriers to accessing community provision
Experience using online monitoring and evaluation tools to manage projects/programmes
Experience of lone working, managing a caseload, and keeping self and participants safe while working in the community
Full UK driving licence and use of a vehicle
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to plan and prioritise own workload and that of others
Ability to be proactive and decisive when leading programmes/projects
Excellent knowledge of local referral agencies and the ability to engage them in the project
Understanding of Fylde and the issues facing older adults in the community
Professional and compassionate outlook, able to be supportive while maintaining clear professional boundaries
Self-motivated with the ability to work well within a team
Ability to perform under pressure and respond calmly to competing demands
A "can do" attitude and commitment to continuous professional development
Desirable:
Mental Health First Aid
Experience co-ordinating volunteers
Good knowledge and understanding of policy and practice in Adult Social Care and Health
Practical Details
Location: Fylde Sports and Education Centre, Mill Farm, Wesham, PR4 3JZ
Contract: Fixed term (to August 2029)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £26,500–£27,500 per annum
Benefits: Company pension scheme, 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), charity worker discounts, bespoke Learning and Development programme, free holiday camp places for age-related dependants, staff uniform, free on-site parking, Employee of the Month rewards
Vetting: Subject to safer recruitment practices; successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
Interviews: Dates to be confirmed
How to Apply
Submit a CV (2 pages maximum) and covering letter (2 pages maximum), clearly outlining how you meet the person specification, to the Foundation's Head of Operations, Daniel Monckton, at dan.monckton@afcfylde.co.uk by the closing date. For further information or to discuss the vacancy, contact the same address.