Become a volunteer Befriender

About the opportunity:

Cyril Flint is an established befriending service that currently covers Greater Manchester. We rely on Volunteers to spend an hour a week to visit a person (usually in their own home) befriending a person on a regular one-to-one basis. This may be someone who lives alone who has little or no contact from friends and family with limited community support. Knowing someone is popping in once a week can make a huge difference. Our aim is to help reduce social isolation and loneliness in older people in the local community.

Befriending is a distinct type of support which is different from the practical or functional day to day support provided by the statutory services or other paid workers, who are under a professional obligation. The older people know the volunteer is visiting them because they care and enjoy their company and this can really help boost an older person’s self esteem and give them something to look forward to each week.

Our volunteers will pop round, maybe for a brew and a chat and just like a true friend will always take time to listen to you and share life’s ups and downs. We have seen some fabulous and long term friendship’s develop and flourish!

Main tasks of Befriending (not all tasks have to be met)

• Chatting and listening to the Befriendee in their home (Most commonly this is all the older person is looking for)
• Short walks with the Befriendee for example to the local shops, libraries etc.
• Help to build confidence in order to join community groups/day clubs
• Assistance in locating local facilities and accessing services

Please note a volunteer befriender will not be asked or involved in meeting any personal care needs.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for people who can spare an hour a week and possess the following skills and traits:

• Caring, sympathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgemental approach.
• Reliable and Trustworthy
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Good commination skills, good listener

Time commitment:

We ask our Volunteer Befrienders to dedicate at least one hour per week to visit an older person (Befriendee) that they are matched with; to have a chat with them and give them some much needed interaction.

Please note all of our volunteer befrienders are required to attend an informal recruitment evening and are required to complete an enhanced DBS check (no charge for this). Volunteers must be 18 years old or over.

To apply:

To apply, please contact Emma via email.