Volunteering

Our befrienders come from all walks of life and are all ages.  They range from 18 to 80+, some are students, some have young family, some work part time, some full time and some are retired.  Whatever your background or circumstances you can befriend if:

•    You like talking to others
• You are able to listen
• You have a couple of hours each week/fortnight you could spend with an older person

   As a befriender you would:

• Have an informal interview with one of our Project Co-ordinators.
• Have references checked and undergo an enhanced disclosure.
• Take part in an initial training course.  The Introduction to Befriending course runs over two sessions and covers topics such as What is Befriending and Why is it Needed?; Confidentiality and Boundaries; Communication and Listening Skills; Supporting and Protecting Adults from Harm, and Health and Safety.
• Be matched with a compatible client, visiting them weekly or fortnightly.  Activities undertaken by befrienders include a home visit for a cup of tea and a chat, playing board games, a trip out for a coffee, to the local shops or sharing hobbies or interests.
• Be given ongoing support and supervision.  Volunteers meet up regularly with their     Co-ordinator and also have the opportunity to meet other befrienders at volunteer support meetings held every two months.  Additional training sessions are also held periodically.  K & D Befriending also organises regular social events for both volunteers and clients.
• Be reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses.

If you feel that volunteering as a befriender with K & D Befriending is for you please contact us to find out more, or print and complete one of the following registration forms (please chose the form for the area in which you reside) and forward it to the address shown on the form.

We also invite volunteers (who may, or may not, also be befrienders) to assist with fundraising through our Friends of K&DB group - please see the separate page on this website for further information.