What does a Befriender do?

Befrienders are carefully selected volunteers, from a variety of organisations and mental health charities, who are trained to provide support and companionship to lonely, or emotionally distressed, people. Befrienders will usually visit for an hour or so per week.

How do you befriend an older person?

Share your time. Volunteer for organisations that support older people. These often offer “befriending” schemes for isolated elderly people, and rely on volunteers for one-to-one contact as a telephone “buddy”, visitor or driver, or hosting social events for groups.

What does age UK do for the elderly?

At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations.

How do I volunteer in Bristol?

There are a number of ways you can volunteer in your community.

  1. Join ‘Can do Bristol’
  2. Volunteering in parks.
  3. Volunteer at our libraries.
  4. Volunteer with adults receiving care.
  5. Volunteer to become a snow warden.
  6. Volunteer with the Bristol Youth Offending Team.
  7. Volunteer to plant trees in Bristol.

What qualifications do I need to be a befriender?

Become a Befriender

  • Someone who is interested in other people.
  • Someone who is a good listener.
  • Someone one who is reliable.
  • Someone who could commit to volunteering 2-3 hours each week.

How do you befriending Age UK?

You sign up and start your volunteer application online. This involves completing references, online training, passing an ID check and having an interview with our team. We match you with a suitable older person based on your interests. Age UK will then connect you with your telephone friend to begin your weekly calls.

How old do you have to be to join Age UK?

Aged 16-50 If you have a long term or complex health or social care challenge we can help you. We offer advice based on your circumstances, guiding you to gain the confidence, the opportunities and the help you need to feel positive about the future.

How do I join the Age UK?

Membership is free and open to individuals (aged 16 or over), clubs and organisations who are interested in our work and who share our aim of ‘working with local older people to help them retain their independence and exercise real choice in their lives’.

How do I get in touch with Age UK?

For more information call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602. We’re open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year.

How do I volunteer for the NHS Bristol?

Volunteer Recruitment Process

  1. the completion of an application form.
  2. an informal interview.
  3. two successful references.
  4. a Covid Vulnerability Risk Assessment.
  5. an Occupational Health check (if required)
  6. obtaining a DBS check (if required)

What is an Age UK befriending service?

Befriending services are available at many local Age UKs. They will often involve a volunteer befriender visiting an older person in their home, perhaps for a cup of tea and a chat, or accompanying them to an activity (such as a trip to a cafe or the theatre).

How can ageage UK Bristol help you?

Age UK Bristol offer a comprehensive Information & Advice service that offers advice to anyone over 55 who lives or works in Bristol. We can also offer advice to family members who are supporting older relatives who are over 55 and live or work in Bristol.

How can I volunteer with Age UK Bristol?

For more information about volunteering with Age UK Bristol, email us at [email protected] or call our Volunteer Co-ordinator Jay Wilkinson on is 0117 440 4305.

Is the befriending service self referral only?

It is important to note that befriending is not a crisis service, counselling or advice service. For now the befriending service is self referral only and that means if you’d like to have a weekly call with a befriender you’ll need to sign up as a member yourself.