Befrienders & Volunteers
Why be a Befriender?
Becoming a Befriender for our Charity is a really rewarding way to build relationships with people in our villages who feel vulnerable and/or isolated. Generally, we support older people in our community who maybe have been bereaved or due to physical or mental health issues have become less able to engage in village activities.
Befriending someone can help reduce their isolation and offer a friendly face. As a Befriender you could visit someone on a weekly basis to read newspaper headlines, if their eyesight has reduced significantly, or visit to chat over a cuppa or take them out for a drive.
Support for Befrienders comes in the form of our Coordinator who looks after our small group of Befrienders and who organises support groups for them so that all Befrienders feel supported in their role.
Becoming a Befriender gives something back to our community by helping others to feel less isolated. It is a really rewarding role in that many of our older people have many great interesting stories to tell about life in our villages over the decades!
Why be a Volunteer?
We have a group of people who volunteer who undertake a variety of tasks for the Charity. These include:
- Lifts to hairdressers, medical appointments, Making Waves café
- Making soup or cakes for monthly events
- Assisting at the monthly events by offering lifts and waitering
- Small DIY or gardening tasks
Volunteering for any of the above makes a positive difference to people’s lives and all our volunteers feel they enjoy giving something back to others who are in need.
Becoming a Befriender or a Volunteer gives a sense of connection to our community and brings new friendships. You become part of a community that is trying to improve how things work for the better for those vulnerable and/or isolated folk in our villages.