Befriending Week takes place 1-7 November this year and it's a chance to let befriendees know how important they are and thank volunteers and staff.

Telephone Befriending supports over 50 carers throughout Derbyshire each week who are lonely or isolated due to their caring role. To learn more and get inspired, read Rachel's story below:

 

"I became a befriender in April 2020 when the isolation of carers increased at the start of the pandemic and we were all instructed to work from home. Naively, I thought this would be only for a couple of weeks. The world became unrecognisable for most of us but what I learnt on my befriending journey is that this is the world many carers live in every day.

For me, the opportunity to befriend carers has been an amazing journey and I’ve spoken to some incredible people. I have more understanding into what “being a carer” really means and the true meaning of loneliness and isolation.  Befriending is so much more than “just a chat”. You could be the only person they have spoken to all week and their window into the outside world. I feel incredibly lucky that I had this opportunity to find out what befriending really means and to work for an organisation which supports what I am passionate about… supporting carers!"

 

 

If you’re interested in volunteering for Derbyshire Carers Association, more information can be found on our Telephone Befriending Service.

Similarly, you can also contact us directly by calling 01773 833 833 or emailing info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk

 

For more information of Befriending Week, click here