Befriending Volunteers
“We both seem to really enjoy catching up, and we can never stop talking during my visits.
It’s been three years now since we were first introduced, and in that time we have become firm friends.”
Joining our amazing team of Befrienders is a fantastic way to give back to the community by providing company and support to an older person in your area.
There are around 10,000 older people living alone in Wandsworth, many who have become increasingly isolated after the pandemic and during the cost-of-living crisis. An hour or so each week seeing a familiar face and catching up over a cup of tea can make a huge difference to an older person's mood and wellbeing, and help to boost their confidence to get out and socialise more. Plus, you could make a friend for life!
Be-a-Friend and Befriending Plus
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Be-a-Friend
Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running and most popular services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, if the volunteer is retired or works from home, or in the evening on the way home from work. If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship.
We are looking for volunteers who are patient, good listeners and enjoy meeting new people. The minimum time commitment is 1-2 hours per week, for at least 6 months.
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Befriending Plus
Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme for clients who are identified by their social worker as needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.
The Befriending Plus role is perfect for someone who is organised, friendly and patient, who can commit 2 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months.
If you would like to get involved with Be-a-Friend or Befriending Plus, please click here to read our information pack and download the application forms.
Or if you want to chat a bit more about what the role requires, give us a call Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm on 020 8877 8940 and ask to speak with the Be-a-Friend or Befriending Plus Coordinators. You can also reach the team by emailing volunteering@ageukwandsworth.org.uk.
We can’t wait to hear from you!