By registering to become a befriender with the Bureau you can help an older person feel more connected, valued and happy.
A day without conversation can have lasting consequences for mental and physical health, causing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Face-to-face befriending involves visiting a person in their home or taking them out for a social activity, such as a walk or a coffee. You can provide companionship, conversation, and support to someone who may be feeling lonely or isolated. You can also share your interests, hobbies, and experiences with them, and learn from their wisdom and stories.
Befrienders can come from all walks of life and age range from 18 to 80. Whatever your background or circumstances, you can be a befriender. Parents of young children, part-time and full-time workers or retired or simply looking for something worthwhile to do.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer befriender will need to:
- like talking to others and have good communication skills
- are able to listen and get on with people
- have a couple of hours each week/fortnight spare
- have a caring compassionate nature
“By giving just one hour of your time each week to enjoy tea and a natter with a lonely or vulnerable resident in North Broxtowe you could make an incredible difference to someone’s life.” said Rachel Laurenson, Manager at Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and Food Bank.
“The power of conversation is something many of us take for granted, especially if we engage with people every day through work, family life and more. But, what about those in later life who live alone and rarely see family or perhaps have no family at all?” she added.
Contact the befriending coordinator for more information or to apply contact Eastwood Volunteer Bureau on 01773 535255
