Befriending volunteer

Older people are at the highest risk of loneliness because of the higher chance of losing friends, family, mobility or income. Spending just an hour a week with an older person can help reduce their risk of loneliness and isolation.

Through the friendship and support offered by the Age UK Canterbury volunteer befriending scheme, many older people have benefited from and improved quality of life and increased social contact.

If you would like to volunteer for our befriending scheme, we are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help reduce isolation for older people in Canterbury and the surrounding areas. We are especially looking for volunteers in the surrounding villages, such as Chartham, Barham, Bridge and Adisham, as we have a number of older people in rural and isolated positions that are in the highest need of befriending.

Why volunteer as a befriender?

• It is a great way to give back to your local community
• Volunteers often become good friends with those they befriend
• It's a direct way to make a difference
• Be part of the Age UK Canterbury team

Befrienders are not allowed to become involved in personal care, domestic tasks, administering medication, financial/legal matters or offer formal advice. 

A DBS check is required, Age UK will complete this once you have completed an application. References are also required and are always taken up.

If you would like to volunteer or find out more, pop into our centre, or contact us by telephone on 01227 462368 or by email at tamara@ageukcanterbury.org.uk