About this role
Befrienders offer friendship and support to someone who is feeling alone or isolated. They get alongside someone and work with them to find a way to overcome the challenges they face. They help people access support, engage in new activities, and re-connect with their communities.
Some of our befriending roles are face to face and some provide support remotely, via phone or video calls or text messages.
What is the time commitment?
This role is for 2 hours per week approximately. Minimum commitment for 6.
Who will you be helping?
Adults
What difference will you make?
People can become isolated for any number of reasons. It may be that their own mental health difficulties mean it becomes harder to go out and socialise. It might be because they are caring for someone who needs additional time and attention so it becomes too hard to fit in other activities.
As a volunteer befriender, you will be alongside someone, providing the practical and emotional support they need to re-connect with the community, overcome their challenges and build towards a positive future.
Who are we looking for?
There is no typical Family Action volunteer. We want our volunteers to be as diverse as the people we support. We need volunteers with a range of life experiences, skills and knowledge. In return for giving your time and talents, you will receive quality training, ongoing support, and the reward of knowing that you are making a real difference. This role will particularly suit volunteers who:
- Are empathetic and good listeners
- Have a non-judgemental approach to others
- Have good relationship-building skills
- Have an awareness of the need for professional boundaries when working with vulnerable people
- Have a warm, approachable and friendly manner
- Are able to understand the causes and impact of social isolation
- Are confident in new situations
- Basic computer skill would be helpful in some Befriending roles
What's in it for you?
Family Action volunteers tell us that volunteering with us can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. Many of our volunteers also report that volunteering has helped them with:
- Making a difference to the lives of people in your community
- Developing new skills; increased confidence and self-esteem
- Opportunity to improve future employment prospects
- Opportunity to build a portfolio of your training, skills, experience and qualities
- Being part of a team and becoming a part of Family Action, a national charity with 150 years of experience supporting families
- Support and guidance from project coordinator including 1-1 and group supervision
- Regular training and development opportunities
How can you find out more?
You may like to chat with a member of staff about whether this is the right role for you, or you may be ready to apply right now.
Either way, just click the ‘I’m interested’ button below to leave your contact details, and a member of staff will be in touch to discuss your next steps in becoming a Family Action volunteer.
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