Befriender Befriender - unpaid carers - VHCaring Together - Norfolk Befriending Service

Role

Our Norfolk Befriending Service aims to offer an inclusive, trusted service that links volunteers with unpaid carers to help reduce loneliness and isolation, build confidence, and improve wellbeing. The role is flexible to suit your interests and lifestyle and we look to match people who share similar hobbies and interests, enabling both parties to benefit from the service.

Our volunteer Befrienders provide a range of support for unpaid carers, from regular companionship at home, as well as supporting carers to use services in their community whether that is heading to the library or take part in a hobby, or to provide practical support such as dog walking, collecting prescriptions, shopping or gardening. Volunteer Befrienders can also offer companionship for the person that the carer looks after at home, to help make it easier for the carer to get out into their local community for activities that give them support, friendship and improve their wellbeing.

• Visits are agreed in advance between the volunteer and the charity.
• If you are unable to make a session, please let the charity as soon as possible.
• Volunteers are asked to write a short summary of each visit.
• Volunteers are offered ongoing support via telephone, online sessions and face‑to‑face meetings, depending on their preference.

• A desire to make a difference to people’s lives.
• Like working as part of a team.
• Be approachable and non‑judgemental.
• Enthusiasm.
• Be friendly and enjoy meeting and supporting people.
• Good verbal/written communication skills.
• Good listening and conversation skills.
• Be committed, reliable and trustworthy.
• Be understanding and respectful.
• An ability to demonstrate patience and sensitivity.

Full and comprehensive training will be given as well as regular debriefing and on‑going support.

Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses.

The role is flexible to suit your interests and lifestyle. Volunteering can be daytime, evening or weekends to suit volunteer’s lifestyle and commitments. We ask for a minimum of 6 months commitment, ideally 2–3 hours a week or fortnight depending on availability.

Three in five of us will become a carer at some point in our life. Caring Together Charity is a regional charity that provides emotional and practical support, advice and guidance to carers of all ages and their families, as well as opportunities to take a break from their caring role.

If you are interested in this role and would like to apply or would like more information, contact the Volunteer Hub at Merchants’ Place –

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Alternatively, you can complete an online registration form and your details will be sent to us directly. A link for the form can be found on our Volunteer Hub page on our website.

Thank you for your interest and for taking the time to read about our Befriending service. We really hope you will join our volunteer team and help provide companionship and support to unpaid carers in your community.