We operate three befriending schemes that are available nationally. These provide either a home visit, a telephone friendship call or a pen pal.All volunteer befrienders are trained and we also carry out DBS or PVG and reference checks before admitting volunteers on to our schemes.
Friendship by Telephone
This scheme provides a little bit of company and friendly social contact plus it helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and increases motivation and confidence. This regular chat also provides a vital link into the community to those who can be socially isolated because of restricted mobility or lack of accessibility to public transport. Befrienders are able to provide a listening ear and conversation.
Friendship by Home Visit
This scheme matches trained volunteer befrienders to beneficiaries to provide a friendship visit at home. The visits are a social call in the person’s own home; a chat over a cup of tea. Assuming both parties hit it off they they decide on the frequency and regularity of future visits. Most visits last around an hour.
Please note: befrienders are not able to assist with domestic tasks, money or personal care, visits are purely for a social purpose.
Friendship by Letter or Email
Letter and email writing is still popular with many of our beneficiaries. Our pen-pal scheme matches up a volunteer and service user who can then exchange letters or emails.
How to get involved as a volunteer or to request a visit/call
We know that sometimes it helps to chat with someone who’s been there and can offer guidance. That’s why our Befrienders Mentoring Scheme is here for you.
Whether you’d like ideas for starting conversations and tips for dealing with tricky situations, we can connect you with experienced Befrienders.
We have:
- Richard Wildash for Home Visitors.
- Sue Anthony-Barrs for Telephone Befrienders.
- Julie Hobson for Pen Pals.
Just email us at enquiries@csrf.org.uk and we’ll put you in touch with them.
We want to make sure everyone feels supported!
If you are interested in volunteering or requesting a visit or call for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, then give us a ring or send us an email to request the application forms to start the process.
Call us on 020 8691 7411 or email befriending@csrf.org.uk to request more information and the application forms.