November Service of Month

Anyone can feel lonely now and again, but as we age and friends and relatives move away, or we suffer a bereavement of a loved one, being at home on our own can be especially difficult, and as we move into the Winter months, long dark days can make people feel even more isolated from the world around them.

Health problems or changes in circumstances can make it hard to get out and about, it can become difficult to form new friendships or stay in touch with people, and it can be difficult to tell others that you are feeling lonely.

Family members might pop in and out as and when they can to help with tasks around the home, drop off shopping, or take their relative to an appointment, but speaking with family isn’t always the same as speaking to a friend.  You may struggle to be honest with a family member; you might not want to burden them with your troubles or worries.

Befriending can come in many shapes and forms, our Volunteer Befrienders might have a cup of tea and a chat, listen, provide a valuable link to the community, be a fresh perspective, become someone to trust, notice if things are not going well and signpost to specialist services if required.

The results of Befriending can be significant and research shows that Befriending support can:

• Lower rates of depression
• Improve social skills
• Reduce social isolation
• Improve self-management
• Improve self-esteem and confidence
• Reduce vulnerability or risk of abuse
• Help to build a sense of purpose
• Reduce use of emergency services

If you would like to use our Befriending service or you think it would beneficial for a family member, or neighbour please contact us and we can arrange to come out and visit and look at ways of providing help and support.

Become a Befriender

We are always on the lookout for big hearted, open-minded people who are great listeners and reliable team members.  Any time that you can offer us as a Volunteer Befriender would be greatly appreciated, our Befriending service is currently in huge demand which therefore means we need to recruit more and more Befrienders so that no one in need is left without.

Befriending can easily fit into your life and daily activities. Befriending visits or phone calls can take place at a time to suit you, weekdays, weekends, day time or evening.  Volunteers are matched with clients within short travelling distances, and more often than not matched with people who share similar interests and hobbies.  You don’t need experience or formal qualifications, all you need is the willingness to offer friendship to someone who is lonely or isolated.

You can become a Volunteer Befriender from age 18.  We invite you to attend a Volunteer Induction , we are currently running these online over Zoom, classroom based for those that prefer a group training session, or in person in a 1-1 setting at a location, date and time to suit.

Volunteers in client facing roles have to have a DBS (criminal records check) which we complete and pay for on your behalf, and we also ask for two-character references, these don't have to be employers, and can be friends or colleagues, anyone you have known for at least two years but not related to you.

As a Volunteer Befriender with us, you will be given access to an online training platform where you can learn new skills and work through online courses relating to volunteering with us and supporting older people.  We offer lots of support whilst you are with us and invite you to take part in social events and get-together’s.  

FAQ

How old do I need to be to become a Befriender?
18 years old
Do I need a qualification?
No, full training is provided
How long does a Befriender give each week?
Around an hour but some give more
Can I befriend at the weekend or after work?
Yes, we'll always find the best time for you and the person you visit
Will I have to travel far?
We try to keep journeys short by matching people who live closely 
How will I know what to talk about?
We ask about hobbies and try to match people with similar interests

To find out more about using our Befriending Service or becoming a Volunteer Befriender, contact us on 01977 552114 or volunteering@ageukwd.org.uk

Meet the team!