Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.
You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis. Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.
Volunteering at Hestia is a vital part of our organisation with individuals from all walks of life sharing their experience, expertise, and knowledge. Get involved today with opportunities to learn, develop, and make a difference!
- Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
- Develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
- Encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
- Support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
- Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals
We make a difference every day, helping people to live a life beyond crisis. The time you give as a volunteer will support more than 18,500 adults and children across London and southeast. We couldn’t do it without our volunteers.
Time commitment
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.