Become A Befriender

What’s a Befriender’s role?

Area of service: Surrey Heath
Hours:  An expectation of one visit of approximately one hour per week. Flexible day and time.

Purpose of the role:

• To befriend an older adult, to improve their emotional health and wellbeing and promote their independence
• To make life more fulfilling for people who may be socially isolated
• To cultivate new friendships in our community

Main tasks:

• Visit a person referred to the service on a regular basis at a time agreed with that person
• Talking and listening
• Inform the Befriending Coordinator of any changes, worries or concerns
• Complete a Monthly Befriending Report and submit it to your Befriending Coordinator

Befriending Qualities:

• A good listener and a clear communicator
• Patient and reliable
• Understanding
• Discrete and able to maintain confidentiality
• Able to respect others’ differences and choices

What will you get out of it?

• Join an enthusiastic team of people who want to make a difference, just like you
• Have a rewarding experience making a difference to people affected by loneliness in your community
• Receive a one-to-one induction and individual/group support sessions
• Receive agreed out-of-pocket expenses within our guidelines