Face-to-face Befriender
Did you know two fifths of older people say that the television is their only friend?
As a befriender you could provide regular company for a lonely older person living in Solihull. Thousands of local older people are extremely lonely, going for weeks, even months, without speaking to another person. One of the ways you can help is by volunteering to befriend an older person.
What do befrienders do?
Befrienders will socialise with a lonely older person once a week for an hour (or more) preferably during the day.
You will be matched with an older person, who you will regularly visit or speak to over the telephone as a telephone befriender. Your friendly conversation and companionship will make a genuine difference to our clients lives, help them to feel happier, positive and more connected.
Is it for me?
The ideal befriender would be a good listener, with a friendly, open manner and the ability to put people at ease. Patience and an understanding of the challenges faced by older people is also important. They would empower older people to improve their wellbeing through social interaction.
Counting down the days
"Being a befriender at Age UK Solihull has been an incredibly enriching experience. From spending time with Pam chatting away or listening to her incredible stories, I feel great warmth and companionship in her presence. I also count down the days till I get to visit Pam and I look forward to our weekly catch-ups and chats. It is a privilege to call Pam a friend, although it’s only been a year since our paths crossed, it feels as if we’ve been friends for years. I am grateful towards the Age UK Solihull for helping me meet a very kind and wonderful friend and also for their remarkable values and work."
Pooja - Volunteer Befriender
Telephone Befriending
We also offer a Telephone Befriending service for those who would prefer it.
Interested in Befriending?
Complete our application form and email to volunteering@ageuksolihull.org.uk.
