Become a Befriending Volunteer
Become a Befriending Volunteer
As a befriending volunteer, you could provide company, conversation and encouragement for an older person on the Isle of Wight.
With flexible volunteering that fits around your life, you could make a real local difference in as little as 30 minutes to one hour a week.
What do befriending volunteers do?
Many older people can feel isolated or lonely, especially if they do not have family or friends nearby. A regular visit or telephone call from a volunteer can brighten someone’s week, give them something to look forward to and help them feel more connected.
As a befriending volunteer, you might:
- visit or call an older person regularly
- offer friendly conversation and companionship
- provide encouragement and motivation
- support someone to work towards small, achievable goals
A flexible volunteer role that works around you
We know people are busy, so befriending is designed to be flexible. Most volunteers give around 30 minutes to one hour a week, at a time that works for them. That could be during the day, in the evening or at weekends.
What you will get out of it
- make a real difference to someone locally
- give something back to your community
- build confidence and develop useful people skills
- gain experience that can support work or future opportunities
- feel proud of the difference you make
Our volunteers often tell us that befriending becomes one of the most rewarding parts of their week.
Training and support included
You will not be expected to do this alone. We provide training and ongoing support throughout your time with Age UK Isle of Wight.
Training can include:
- guided conversation
- understanding loneliness and isolation
- goal setting
- optional one-off training opportunities where available
All training is provided by the charity, and we are here to support you throughout your volunteering journey.
What does the role involve?
Befriending volunteers usually visit or call an older person regularly, offering friendly conversation, companionship and encouragement.
Most volunteers give around 30 minutes to one hour a week, at a time that works for them. This could be during the day, in the evening or at weekends. Your role is to help someone feel less isolated, build confidence and have something to look forward to. In some cases, you may also support them to work towards small, achievable goals.
What next?
Get in touch to find out more.
Email: volunteering@ageukiw.org.uk
Call: 01983 525282
Or simply fill out our online form and someone will be in touch, click here.
How you could support someone
As a befriending volunteer, you could make a real difference through regular companionship, encouragement and friendly conversation.
Befriending and Companionship
You could provide companionship through telephone calls, face-to-face visits, or a mixture of both, depending on what works best for you and the person you are supporting.
Providing encouragement
A big part of the role is helping someone feel more confident, motivated and connected. This will include encouraging them to work towards small, achievable goals with gentle practical or emotional support.
Supporting independence
The aim is always to support independence, not create dependence. Befriending is about helping someone feel more confident, more positive and more able to take small steps that improve their wellbeing.
Examples of small goals may include:
- Helping your befriendee write and post a letter to an old friend to rekindle social communication
- Encouraging your client to spend more time in the garden
- building confidence using a mobile phone to stay in touch with family and friends
Qualities of a Good Neighbour Scheme Befriending Volunteer
- Non-judgmental.
- Reliable and trustworthy.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
Could you make time for a friendly visit?
If you’re interested in befriending volunteering with Age UK Isle of Wight, complete our online form and we’ll be in touch with more information.