For some people being alone can be a luxury break in a busy life but for many, being alone all day, every day, is a fact of life. There are many people in Poplar and Bow who regularly experience loneliness and many who live in isolation, the impacts on their mental and physical health are far reaching and can be catastrophic. We don’t expect our befriending service to transform a person’s life but we know that companionship and having the opportunity to regularly talk to someone friendly can make all the difference to someone who feels isolated, forgotten about and alone.
In this role volunteers will make a telephone call once per week to their befriendee for around half an hour, maybe more, maybe less. As part of this service, Befriendees (those people receiving calls) can choose to have a face-to-face meeting once a month with their befriender. When you apply please state whether or not you are applying for telephone befriending only or a mixture of telephone and in-person.
Each volunteer will be matched with one Befriendee.
Time commitment
We ask our volunteers to commit to 1 – 2 hours per week for six months. You will have the opportunity to discuss your availability as part of your volunteer interview. You will be expected to attend a training programme as well as regular group and individual support sessions with your assigned PH Contact. You may be asked to undertake further training once you’re volunteering.