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Befriending Volunteers

Joining our amazing team of Befrienders is a fantastic way to give back to the community by providing company and support to an older person in your area.

There are around 10,000 older people living alone in Wandsworth, many who have become increasingly isolated after the pandemic and during the cost-of-living crisis. An hour or so each week seeing a familiar face and catching up over a cup of tea can make a huge difference to an older person's mood and wellbeing, and help to boost their confidence to get out and socialise more. Plus, you could make a friend for life!

Read our blogpost to find out more about the Befriending volunteer application process and read Antonia and Julijana's story.

Be-a-Friend and Befriending Plus

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    Be-a-Friend

    Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running and most popular services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, if the volunteer is retired or works from home, or in the evening on the way home from work. If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

    We are looking for volunteers who are patient, good listeners and enjoy meeting new people. The minimum time commitment is 1-2 hours per week, for at least 6 months. 

     

  • Befriending Plus

    Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme for clients who are identified by their social worker as needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there. 

    The Befriending Plus role is perfect for someone who is organised, friendly and patient, who can commit 2 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months. 

How do I apply?

To apply for either of the roles above, please complete the Volunteer Application Form and the Equalities Monitoring Form below and return them to volunteering@ageukwandsworth.org.uk. If you have any questions about the application process, please call 020 8877 8957.

Volunteer Application Form

Equalities Monitoring Form

I would like to find out more before I apply

If you'd like to know a bit more about the Be-a-Friend or Befriending Plus roles before you apply, give us a call us on 020 8877 8940 (Monday - Thursday 10am-3pm) and ask to speak with the Be-a-Friend or Befriending Plus Coordinators.

We can’t wait to hear from you!