Volunteer Befriender

Befriending offers supportive, reliable, and mutually rewarding relationships with volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated.

We take great care to match volunteers with people they are going to get on with, and we hope that the benefits are two-way. Typically, a volunteer will spend 30-60 minutes each week/fortnight with the person they befriend. This could be in person or over the phone, visiting them at home, or maybe going for a walk or a coffee.

The main thing that our volunteers do is provide people with friendly conversation and a listening ear.

There is flexibility within this role for the volunteer and the person you befriend to decide together how you would like to spend your time together. Many of our matches meet up weekly or fortnightly and this can be visiting someone in their home or getting out for a coffee or walk in the local community.

Benefits

• Connects you to people in your community
• This role is fun and fulfilling
• Opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives
• This opportunity can advance your career, it is a particularly good opportunity for people looking to gain experience for social care, health and the charity sector.

Practical Considerations

Whilst this role can offer a reasonable amount of flexibility, we ask that volunteers are able to commit an hour a week or fortnight for a minimum of six months. 

Support Disabled

Throughout your volunteering you will have a named colleague who will be your main point of contact at Together Co, you will have regular check ins with them, there is also the opportunity to connect you with fellow volunteers who can share their experience and expertise with you. You will also have access to the Volunteer Experience Lead, who will be an additional point of contact to support your volunteering journey. Together Co organises a variety of social events throughout the year to connect with volunteers, give thanks for your time and also to provide an opportunity to meet with other volunteers.

What skills do I need?

Anyone can volunteer with Together Co, you don’t need any prior experience, just a willingness to reach out and connect. Whether you’re a student, working professional, parent, retiree, or looking to give back, you have something valuable to offer.

We have a great training programme available to volunteers and feel the following skills would be helpful:

• Good communication skills

• Non-judgmental attitude

• Honest & trustworthy

• Commitment & reliability

• Respect for confidentiality

• Friendliness and warmth

• Empathy and resilience.