Volunteer Befriender Volunteer Roles

We currently have a volunteering opportunity in the Adlington area of Chorley for a volunteer Befriender. If you have a couple of hours to spare on a Wednesday or at the weekend and can commit to volunteering with us on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you!

Our service user enjoys going for walks in the local area including walking around the Rivington Reservoir, loves animals especially dogs, is currently learning to swim, and enjoys anything arty with colouring in a favourite hobby. We are looking for a female volunteer who is warm and chatty and would like to help our service user to explore the local community and enjoy her hobbies together.  If you are interested and would like to apply, you can apply via our website or get in touch for further info.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly Volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Suggested time commitment: A couple of hours on Wednesdays, or at weekends.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

We currently have a volunteering opportunity in the Aspull area of Wigan for a volunteer Befriender. If you have a few hours to spare either during the week or at weekends and can commit to volunteering with us on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for someone to meet with our service user in a befriender role, they particularly enjoy going for walks, listening to music and watching films. We are looking for a warm, chatty person who shares the same interests.  If you are interested and would like to apply, you can do so via our website or get in touch for further info.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly Volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Preferred time commitment: 3-5 hours per week.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

We currently have a volunteering opportunity in the East Finchley area of North London for a Volunteer Befriender. If you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener?

Are you looking to help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community? Could you organise and source activities that align with our service-user’s interests, which include comedy and writing poetry?

Can you commit to learning Creative Support’s Safeguarding Procedure and be able to implement this if needed?

We are looking for a reliable, friendly, outgoing and supportive person who can join us as a Volunteer Befriender.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Suggested time commitment: 2 hours a week.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

We currently have a volunteering opportunity in the Jarrow area for a volunteer Befriender. If you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering with us on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for a friendly, reliable male befriender who would like to meet up with our service user on a weekly basis on an afternoon during the week or at weekends. With access to a car we would like someone to accompany the young man on day trips, as well as going out for walks and visits to the gym. If you have an interest in singing and drama too that would be an added bonus!

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly Volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Suggested time commitment: 3-5 hours per week

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

Help tackle loneliness and isolation in your Community. As a Volunteer Befriender, you will visit an older person in their own home once a week for a chat and to provide companionship. 

Our Befriending service supports older adults by alleviating loneliness and isolation, supporting independence, and increasing self-confidence, by making weekly or fortnightly visits to a client living in the borough of Croydon.

We place emphasis on making the right match for you and the client to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience. One of the befriending team will work closely with you during the match process and accompany you on your first visit to introduce you to the client.

You will be assigned a line manager who will support and encourage you. We provide a befriending induction along with training and ongoing support to ensure that you are fully equiped and ready for what will be a rewarding and positive experience. Feedback from our clients and volunteers show the huge impact on wellbeing that an hour a week can make.

What will I be doing?

• Visiting an older person in their own home once a week maybe for a cup of tea and a chat.
• Providing companionship.
• Other activities mutually agreed by the Client and the Volunteer such as reading together and puzzles.

What we ask for:

• Good listening skills.
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude.
• An ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Realiability.
• Willingness to adhere to Age UK Croydon's policies and procedures

We currently have a volunteering opportunity in the Wallsend area for a volunteer Befriender. If you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering with us on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you!

We support a young man who is a huge Newcastle United fan, and a season ticket holder for St. James Park. Are you a member of the Toon Army who’d like to spend time talking about the new owners, a post-match run down of goals and missed chances, or if head coach Eddie Howe should be changing the line up? If so, apply via our website or get in touch for further info.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly Volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Suggested time commitment: 3-5 hours per week

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

We would encourage you to apply to us even if you have not yet had your COVID 19 vaccine. You will be required to have your first COVID 19 vaccine prior to your interview and your second vaccine before you start volunteering with us. This time will be used to complete post interview recruitment checks. Applicants who are unable to receive the vaccination on medical grounds are still welcome to apply with provision of their official NHS COVID pass letter of medical exemption.

The role is for a Befriender in our Tenancy Sustainment Teams in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth and we’re now recruiting for volunteers. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.

The Tenancy Sustainment teams support people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing accommodation and support to assist people off the streets.

We work with people who are have experienced rough sleeping and, once accommodated, SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.

SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth, Sutton, and Kingston.

The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing befriending support to the clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)

It would be desirable if you had a driving license.

We are looking for volunteers to join our team at Oakley, 4 High Street, Bedford at our residential care service for adults with Learning disabilities. If you’re a car driver with some spare time each week, join us in our Volunteer befriender role to take our residents on day trips.

We are looking for people who are committed, reliable, and friendly. You will need to be a confident driver with a full, clean driving licence.

Whether it’s a trip into Bedford town centre to enjoy a wander down the river, a cup of tea and a cake in the local cafes, a visit to the library, or leisure activities, or even a little bit further afield. If you can commit to volunteering with us once or twice a week we’d love to hear from you!

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly Volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Suggested time commitment: 2-4 hours a week.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life. MHA Moorlands is a Retirement Living Scheme offering a supportive and friendly community with purpose-built properties designed to help our residents maintain their independence.

As a Befriender you’ll support one of our male residents by visiting him regularly to bring friendship, company, and a chance to chat. The visits will also include shopping trips (access to own vehicle required) and going for walks.

Benefits for you:

• Help improve the quality of life for older people
• Help reduce loneliness and isolation
• Support your community
• Keep socially active
• Be part of a friendly team

Skills and qualities desired:

• Good communication and people skills
• Enthusiasm
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• Reliable and punctual
• Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A willingness to engage with training and development
• A good understanding of your personal strengths and limitations

Times and Commitment:

• Monday-Friday- preferably around 11am however the time can be negotiated
• Each visit will last around 2 hours
• We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of 6 months

Training, support and requirements:

• You need to be aged 18 or over
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
• Proof of a clean driving licence, insurance cover and MOT
• Access to own vehicle
• A good driving safety awareness
• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role
• Ongoing support from a named contact

*Please note- we can only accept applications from UK residents*

We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Volunteers. As a Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others by providing support and assistance in various areas. This is an unpaid position that offers valuable experience and the chance to contribute to meaningful causes.

About the project and role

Prevention Matters help adults regain confidence, maintain independence and help them get out and about. The Community Support Workers support clients by finding help, signposting to other services, connect with others in the local community and provide encouragement to get involved in social events.

You can make a difference to people’s lives as a Prevention Matters volunteer by:

Increase or maintain social links such as attend local events, transport to coffee mornings

· Accompany clients on GP or hospital appointments

· Teach clients new digital skills such as email, Skype or how to search the web.

· Practical support in the garden or a spot of DIY in their home

· Assistance with hoarding disorder

· Support to a carer who is feeling isolated

Volunteers will have their traveling and out of pocket expenses covered. Opportunity to complete NVC National Volunteering Certificate and other in-house training.

At Connection Support we feel that nobody can do everything but everyone can do something so volunteering is flexible to suit you.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds to join our diverse team, if you have any disabilities or health conditions, we will do everything we can to help you access this opportunity.

Please note that this is an unpaid volunteer position. However, it offers valuable experience, the opportunity to give back to the community, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

Together Talks Telephone Befriending Service is looking for people who would like to join us in helping to provide support to as many people as possible during challenging times. Telephone Befriending has the potential to be an important aspect of the overall approach to helping the most isolated and lonely individuals in our society. Telephone Befriending can also benefit the volunteer befrienders who are similarly able to reengage with their community and may derive health benefits from regular volunteering. Our aim is to alleviate feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation that may be experienced by many people across our communities, by contact from a volunteer befriender. If you’re a friendly person who likes talking to people, then this is the role for you. This service aims to capture volunteers who have their own telephone. Ideally, you will have unlimited minutes on your personal mobile so the calls should not cost you anything. 

What does a Volunteer Telephone Befriender do?

To telephone Befriendee’s at their home for around 10 -30 minutes. You will arrange the exact times of your future calls direct with the Befriendee’s. This could range from once a day to once a week, but individual needs will be matched with your availability 

To provide a telephone conversation, a listening ear and chat about interests and hobbies, helping to alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation.

To provide companionship and human interaction at a time when this may be limited.

To provide an update after each call to the Together Talks support Team. This is so we can keep a track of the amount of befriending calls each volunteer is undertaking, the type of support being offered during these calls and if there is anything further required.

It is important to note telephone befriending is not counselling or therapy and other services must be sought if this is required.

Benefits

• Free DBS.
• Discounted food.
• Store discount.
• Work from home.
• Above all you will be making a positive difference in your befriendee’s life.
• As a volunteer telephone befriender, you will learn how to support others, make friends, become more confident, and practice communication skills.
• You will gain new and transferable skills. We offer support for you to increase your own job-readiness and personal development.
• Training opportunities,
• Volunteering experience
• Detailed references will be provided.

​

Cecil Gardens is a large service containing ninety-nine apartments, close to the city centre of Hull and easily accessible by public transport. The service supports adults with a wide variety of needs including Over 18s, Mental Health needs, Older People, Learning Disabilities and Autism. Our service users live in self-contained apartments and have access to several communal spaces, including a restaurant, a hairdressers and a spa.

We are currently looking for volunteer befrienders at our Cecil Garden service in Hull, if you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener? We are looking for befrienders who can help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community. Maybe going for walks, trips to a local café, or, supporting somebody to attend their appointments.

Our volunteer befrienders will also encourage people to connect to our internal community here at our service, which includes a wide variety of activity sessions held in several communal spaces on site. As part of our Wellbeing service we are hoping to build a community amongst our Service Users and you will visit service users in their flats and encourage people to join in our activities and take part in events held here.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

At Staying Well we run a Telephone Befriending Scheme.

If you have up to an hour free once a week for 6 months then this could be the volunteer role for you!

This is what the Befriending Network say about befriending:

“Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone. 

Befriending offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated. Around the UK, there are befriending projects which organise effective support for children and young people, families, people with mental ill-health, people with learning disabilities and older people, amongst many others.

The results of befriending can be very significant. Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life, opens up a range of activities and leads to increased self-esteem and self confidence. Befriending can also reduce the burden on other services which people may use inappropriately as they seek social contact.”

We currently have a volunteering opportunity in the Adlington area of Chorley for a volunteer Befriender. If you have a couple of hours to spare on a Wednesday or at the weekend and can commit to volunteering with us on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you!

Our service user enjoys going for walks in the local area including walking around the Rivington Reservoir, loves animals especially dogs, is currently learning to swim, and enjoys anything arty with colouring in a favourite hobby. We are looking for a female volunteer who is warm and chatty and would like to help our service user to explore the local community and enjoy her hobbies together.  If you are interested and would like to apply, you can apply via our website or get in touch for further info.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly Volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Suggested time commitment: A couple of hours on Wednesdays, or at weekends.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.