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

Volunteering is very rewarding and there are many reasons people decide to volunteer. It could be that you suddenly find yourself with more time to spare, you might be looking to learn new skills, a way to meet other people or that through a shared experience you feel you can help others!  Of course, these are just a few and there are many more reasons people decide to volunteer. 

Here are some Carer/Befriender journeys that have been shared with us...

 

G.S. - Carer 

After unexpectedly becoming a full time Carer, I wasn’t prepared for the sense of loneliness and isolation that I found myself suffering from. Having someone that I can unload on is really helpful when I just need someone to listen to my frustrations and share my problems with. I know I have been at various times frustrated, annoyed, lonely, lost, trapped and any combination of the above, but having someone to chat with helps me to rationalise things and take a deep breath and carry on. As a recipient of the service, I can honestly say that I would be a bit lost without it and because you chat with the same person every week you build up a handy relationship with them. Anyone wondering if befriending is for them I would say give it a try - whether you are volunteering or a recipient I am sure you will find it helpful or rewarding!    

I am fortunate to have been on both “sides” of this inspiring service. I received support from telephone befriending up until my husband passed away and for a short time afterwards. I received a weekly call from a befriender and my befriender had experience of what I was going through. It really helped to speak to someone who understood. We were carefully matched by the befriending coordinator to meet the support I needed.  

 

D.D. - Carer/Befriender

I was so impressed with this volunteer helpline and the befriending coordinator was so easy to talk to and supportive throughout my Carer journey. Discussing becoming a volunteer is what made me want to “reverse” the procedure and phone to chat to someone who is also on their own Carer journey.  

On both sides of the coin, it is like talking to a dear friend who empathises totally with problems and deep feelings with complete confidentiality.

 

Anonymous - Carer/Befriender

I initially became a telephone befriender because I found myself with more time on my hands now my own family were growing up and didn’t need me quite so much. I also went through a time where I felt lonely and isolated, albeit for different caring responsibilities, but the results were the same. I had no one to talk too who understood.

Becoming a telephone befriender felt perfect, as I can make the calls from my own home. I have been calling Carers for over four years now. The Carers I have called have been matched appropriately by my experience and their needs. Ironically, during the time I have been befriending, I too have become a Carer and this has given me a greater understanding of the difficulties Carers have to overcome.

 

Adrian - Befriender

I have been befriending for over a year after seeing the service advertised in an email from Derbyshire County Council and it looked an excellent opportunity to do some good.

Once I applied to be a telephone befriender, I was contacted by Rachel who talked me through the service and completed the required induction. Her enthusiasm and engagement for the service was a huge selling point for me. She is also available to talk through any issues you may have and provide feedback.

I have now befriended four Carers all of whom have differing needs. Some want to talk about the difficult situation they find themselves in as isolated Carers and use the calls to vocalise some of their problems and frustrations. But as your relationship develops the conversations become more far ranging. Some Carers want to talk about anything other than their current situation, whether it be their careers or interests. I have found all conversations to be a positive experience and extremely rewarding for both myself and the Carer. Indeed, for the duration of that weekly call you are just talking to a friend.

So, if you want to do some good, enjoy talking to and learning about people and have some spare time every week you should give telephone befriending a try. We even manage a few meet ups a year for coffee and cake organised by the lovely Rachel where you can meet other befrienders and feel a part of a valuable team. 

 

Would you be interested in volunteering as a Telephone Befriender?

(You don’t need to be/or have been a Carer to volunteer)

Make a difference today!

Our Telephone Befriending service aims to provide a regular friendly phone-call from a trained Volunteer) for companionship, a listening ear and support to isolated Carers living in Derbyshire (excluding Derby city) who are in NEED of social contact.

What does a Telephone Befriender do?

· Call someone once a week for a friendly, confidential chat. (Calls should last no more than 20 mins – it is not for counselling or to give medical or financial advice)

· Calls can be made from your own home

· Alleviate the loneliness and isolation a caring role can bring

· Provide companionship, support and a listening ear

· Signpost as appropriate onto other services through the Befriending Coordinator

There are no qualifications needed. There will be a full induction, support and guidance all the way. The skills required to volunteer are simply the willingness to listen, patience and ability to take notice.

You’ll gain real satisfaction, the opportunity to maintain or learn new skills, further training, meet other volunteers and speak to some inspirational Carers!

What happens next?

If you would like more information click here