Befrienders for residents in a Nursing home
You will be redirected to the Hive Portsmouth website to express your interest.
We are looking for compassionate, friendly individuals to provide companionship to residents in a nursing home who may be feeling socially isolated. The home offers comprehensive nursing support—including general nursing, dementia care, palliative care, and specialist care for conditions such as Parkinson’s, sight impairments and stroke—but your role as a volunteer is purely social. You will never be expected to provide personal or medical care.
As a Befriender, your presence can bring comfort, joy and connection to someone who may have few or no visitors. Whether you enjoy chatting, sharing stories, reading together, playing games, or simply offering a listening ear, your time can make a meaningful difference.
You may provide short‑term or long‑term companionship, depending on what suits you. We maintain a list of residents with individual interests and will match you with someone whose hobbies or personality aligns with yours. For example, you might spend time with a gentleman who loves talking about cars or a lady who enjoys jigsaw puzzles.
If you are kind, patient, and enjoy connecting with others, this volunteering opportunity offers a chance to brighten someone’s day—and enrich your own.
References:
Professional references can be from a current or past employer, someone you have worked with or volunteered with, or from an education setting such as a teacher. They must have known you for at least two years.
Character references must be from someone who knows you well on a personal level. It can be a friend, or someone you work with, volunteer with etc. It cannot be a family member. They must have known you personally for at least two years.
DBS - You will be required to complete a DBS check. You will need photo and proof of address ID for this.
Process:
You will need an account to register your interest for this role. Once you have registered your interest you will receive an automatic email with next steps. If you have not received this in a couple of hours, please do get in touch as it may not have registered ([email protected]).
You will need to respond to the "Criteria Check" email to progress with this role.
Please check your junk email folder in case any emails end up there. Friendly reminder that the charities/organisations emails may end up here too.
Don't forget you can add up any volunteering hours as part of Team 100 Opportunity - Hive Portsmouth or part of the Donate 100 things challenge Opportunity - Hive Portsmouth.
What skills do I need?
Empathy & Compassion: Understanding the emotional needs of socially isolated or end-of-life individuals and offering them comfort and companionship with kindness.
Good Communication: Being able to listen actively and engage in meaningful conversation, while also respecting the wishes and limitations of the person you’re visiting.
Patience: Some residents may have physical or cognitive impairments, so being patient and understanding is crucial.
Reliability & Commitment: Since these visits can be life-changing for the residents, being dependable and following through with your time commitment will have a positive impact.
Sensitivity to End-of-Life Issues: Comfortably engaging with people at the end of their lives, respecting their emotions, and understanding the environment of a nursing home.
Flexibility: The ability to adapt to different interests and needs, whether you’re working on a puzzle, having a conversation, or engaging in other activities.
Respect for Privacy: Understanding the importance of confidentiality and respecting personal space and boundaries.
Problem-Solving: The ability to adapt your approach if a person’s mood or needs change during a visit.
Details
- Limited Physical Access
- Minimum time commitment (e.g. 3 months, 6 months etc)
- Suitable for Families - (under 16's with an adult)
- Suitable for Under 18's (if yes state min age)
- Will require a criminal record check (DBS)
- Will require references
When is this role available?
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Ideally at least once a week between Monday - Friday 10:30am - 4pm
Location:
This opportunity is available in the following regions:
Portsmouth
You will be redirected to the Hive Portsmouth website to express your interest.
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