''Having been a "Befriender" for some time now I just want to say that the more I give to the project the more important it becomes to me.''

 

''When you live alone, and as time passes, it becomes more difficult to make new friends or contacts, and so over time the act of "Befriending" becomes a two-way process, and you don't have to be able to run for a bus to do it!''

 

''Most importantly, besides having a friendly chat, we are there to listen - not to advise. We are there to listen without prejudice and without the barriers that can sometimes form between close family or friends at difficult times. This usually happens because of the fear of upsetting, or worrying other people that we care about, but in stressful times things are easily misunderstood. '

 

'''This is where Befriending comes in - simply by listening without being judgmental we become the much needed safety valve; whatever we are told must remain confidential.''

 

''Having said all of this, I can only tell you that apart from having a serious side, there is an enormous amount of shared laughter, too, and inevitably one comes off the phone feeling uplifted by the experience.''

 

If you're interested in volunteering for Derbyshire carers Association, more information can be found on here - https://derbyshirecarers.co.uk/befriending-services

Similarly, you can contact us directly by calling 01773833833 or emailing info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk