In recognition of Volunteers Week, our lovely telephone befriending volunteer Adrian has shared his journey.

 

"I moved to an area I didn't know early in 2023 and also took partial retirement. Being aware of becoming slightly isolated, I started looking for things to do with my spare time. It was then that I spotted a piece in the weekly Derbyshire County Council email that mentioned the Befriending Service.

Feeing that this was something that could benefit both myself and Carers, l applied. 

With the help of Project Worker, Rachel, I went through the induction process and have been part of the service for a year now.

I find the various conversations with Carers extremely interesting. Some only need a short weekly call where we catch up on the events of the previous week, which could be about the person they care for or just to give them a break. Others need a more lengthy chat, telling you about their work history and interests that removes them for a short time from the 24/7 care they are delivering. But everyone has a story to tell.

Ultimately the benefit for myself is very simple - to feel that in a very small way I am making a difference to someone else's life.

Anyone who has read this and isn't already a befriender, I strongly urge you to give it a go and look forward to meeting you at one of the occasional socials we have."

 

Find out more about volunteering for Derbyshire Carers Association