We are looking for volunteers to join our team of befrienders throughout Nottinghamshire. You are needed to offer social support on a one to one basis by sharing a little of your spare time befriending an adult with mental ill health or learning disabilities who is living in the community.
Befrienders can be of any age and any ethnic group. If you are a caring, patient person and a good listener, you could make a perfect befriender.
Get the ‘feel good factor’ by helping an isolated and vulnerable person in your community! You do not need any particular skills or experience as training is given and we also refund your expenses.
If you are open-minded and accepting of others, have a warm and sociable outlook and are able to commit to visiting on a regular basis for 2 hours per week or fortnight, please contact us.
Befriending is:
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Spending time together regularly
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Giving individual attention and support
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Helping people to help themselves
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Encouraging choice
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Being a good listener
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Helping to reduce social isolation
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Having fun
Befriending is not:
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Trying to solve all the befriendee’s problems
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Making judgements about lifestyle and behaviour
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Counselling or therapy
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Being a babysitter, home help or a driver
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Feeling responsible for the befriendee’s decisions and actions
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Giving advice that is not asked for
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Creating a dependency on you
Befriending helps as:
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Self confidence is raised
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Trust is built
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Isolation is reduced
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Independence is increased
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Involvement in new activities within their own communities
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Decision making is promoted
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Relationships with family/carers/professionals can improve
If you are interested in becoming a Befriender contact:
Voluntary & Befriending Services
Duncan Macmillan House
Porchester Road
Nottingham
NG3 6AA
Email: volunteering@nottshc.nhs.uk
